Arnold Schwarzenegger shared some heartfelt words about his longtime friend Bruce Willis following the actor’s recent retirement from acting.
The 68-year-old “Die Hard” and “The Sixth Sense” star’s family last 12 months said he was “stepping away” from his decades-long moviemaking profession after being diagnosed with aphasia.
Aphasia is a condition that may affect an individual’s ability to talk, write and understand language, with treatment including speech and language therapies, in response to Mayo Clinic.
His family announced in February 2023 that his condition had worsened, and he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
Talking to CinemaBlend about his recent Netflix series “FUBAR,” Schwarzenegger called Willis a “kind man.”
“I believe that he’s unbelievable,” the 75-year-old told the outlet. “He was, at all times for years and years, is a large, huge star. And I believe that he’ll at all times be remembered as a terrific, great star.”
“And a sort man. I understand that under his circumstances, health-wise, that he needed to retire. But generally, you already know, we never really retire. Motion heroes, they reload,” the “Terminator” star added.
The 2 silver screen legends met years ago and have become involved in Planet Hollywood in 1991.
In 2010, the pair starred alongside one another within the hit film “The Expendables.”
Willis’ family penned a touching note to fans in Feb. 2022, announcing that the actor’s condition had “impacted his cognitive abilities” — forcing him to quit acting.
“To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we desired to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities,” his family wrote.
“In consequence of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the profession that has meant a lot to him.”
“It is a really difficult time for our family and we’re so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support,” said the statement signed by his wife, Emma Heming, ex-wife Demi Moore and his other 4 children.
“We’re moving through this as a powerful family unit, and desired to bring his fans in because we understand how much he means to you, as you do to him. As Bruce at all times says, ‘Live it up’ and together we plan to do exactly that.”