Fans are starting to look at a lot of what Bruce Willis has done in recent years differently - and that includes some of his bizarre interviews. Even those that he once beefed with like Kevin Smith, are now regretting their past words, following the announcement of his aphasia diagnosis.It turns out that on-set, things were quite the struggle for Willis. Simple lines became a task, and he was often wondering why he was there in the first place.We'll take a look at the struggle involved, along with how he was able to remember his lines despite the diagnosis.
How Did Bruce Willis Memorize His Lines With Aphasia?
During the film 'Out of Death', director Mike Burns understood that something a little more serious was going on with Bruce Willis. The director recognized something was off when he was told to shorten Bruce's lines. He elaborated alongside the LA Times, "After the first day of working with Bruce, I could see it firsthand and I realized that there was a bigger issue at stake here and why I had been asked to shorten his lines,” Burns said.
In addition, Bruce's team had rules they made the films follow. One of them was the actor appearing for a maximum of four days on set, while being limited to eight-hour work days, though it is said that the actor typically stayed for max fours on-set.
During the film 'White Elephant', problems persisted for Bruce, as he would forget lines rather easily, while asking around why he was on-set to begin with.
Ultimately the film's director decided not to bring the actor back for the sequels.
“After our experience on ‘White Elephant,’ it was decided as a team that we would not do another,” Johnson said. “We are all Bruce Willis fans, and the arrangement felt wrong and ultimately a rather sad end to an incredible career, one that none of us felt comfortable with.”
It was a struggle for Bruce and those around him, though he did have a secret way of memorizing his lines.
In 'American Siege' Bruce Willis Was Wearing An Earpiece
It was not easy for Bruce Willis on different sets, as he typically forgot the reason he was there in the first place. During the film 'American Siege', the cast really started to notice Willis' odd behavior. He would be monitored by an assistant, who brought him everywhere on the set. In addition, memorizing the lines was not an easy task for Bruce, so he decided to get some help.
It is said that Willis had an earpiece during the film, which is actually visible throughout certain moments in the flick.
The team would basically feed the actor his lines through the earpiece, and he would say them back word for word.
Despite the aid, Willis still struggled on the film set. According to Metro, he would often fire off the prop gun during the wrong cue. He was supposed to give Lala Kent a chance to duck while saying his line, though this was often done incorrectly. Bruce also wasn't understanding of his lines either.
Ultimately, Bruce and his family decided it was time to take a step back from Hollywood.
Bruce Willis' Family Stepped In
Taking a look at some of his more recent work, fans were puzzled as to why Willis kept taking low caliber type films. Given his aphasia diagnosis, fans aren't asking these questions any longer.
Willis' family took to IG, announcing that the legendary actor was stepping aside due to his diagnosis.
"Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities. As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him."
"This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support. We are moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him."
Credit to Bruce, as despite his condition, he would still always say that he'd give it his best while on different sets. Here's to wishing the actor a strong recovery.