Did horror accident that caused Bruce Willis ‘extreme physical pain’ on set 20 years ago contribute to shock retirement?

Angelique Jackson Twenty-four years ago, director Michael Bay had yet to dream up the high-speed car chases in “Ambulance,” but was instead focused on a team of deep-core oil drillers who were tasked with saving the world from an asteroid the size of Texas.Perennial action hero Bruce Willis headlined the 1998 space movie, playing Harry S. Stamper, leader of the rough-and-tumble crew of newbie astronauts. It may be hard to imagine now, but “Armageddon” was only Bay’s third feature, so landing Willis was a major coup, particularly since the director had been inspired by the action star’s movies (especially 1988’s “Die Hard”) since early in his career.In a recent interview, Bay reflected on Willis legacy and told Variety what makes the actor — whose family announced last month that he will be stepping back from acting — so iconic.

The Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker pretend wedding in Las Vegas took the entertainment industry by storm. Fans were shocked to hear that the celebrity couple famous for luxurious holiday getaways and a $1 million engagement ring opted for a low-key, secret elopement instead of a high-brow affair.

Rumer Willis brightened her day by showing off a stunning makeover on Thursday which suited her down to the ground.The actress and her famous family have been going through a challenging time as they come to grips with her dad, Bruce Willis', aphasia diagnosis. MORE: Demi Moore's daughter Tallulah shares health update after visit to doctorBut Rumer was determined to bring a little positivity to her day with a trip to the hair salon and the results were gorgeous.WATCH: Bruce Willis retires after health diagnosisIn photos and videos posted to her Instagram stories, Rumer had once again ditched her curly red locks in favor of a sleek, smooth look complete with bangs.She'd just had it colored and she proudly displayed the results of her darker, richer shade. MORE: Bruce Willis' wife Emma pays heartfelt tribute to young daughter on her birthday alongside family photosRELATED: What is aphasia? Bruce Willis’ shock health condition explainedShe wore her long hair loose and pouted for the camera as she declared her stylist: The "Master of Color". Rumer changed up her look Later, Rumer also shared a video of her rocking her new look as she played with her friend's children during some much-needed downtime. The star - who is the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore - previously posted some throwback photos with her father, sending him love after he announced his retirement due to his condition. READ: John Travolta pens emotional tribute to longtime friend Bruce Willis following his devastating health diagnosisMORE: Demi Moore celebrates ex-husband Bruce Willis with rare family photograph togetherAlongside some sweet childhood photos she wrote: "I love you Daddio, to the moon and back.

Actress and stuntwoman Kelly Greyson is opening up about her time working with Bruce Willis, who she champions for his authenticity and professionalism on and off film sets. Greyson last filmed with Willis a little over a year ago for "Fortress: Sniper's Eye," the second installment of "Fortress." Jesse Metcalfe and Chad Michael Murray also star in the action-packed flick.  In an interview with Fox News Digital, Greyson said she was unaware of Willis' aphasia diagnosis at the time she worked with him, but believes his retirement from acting should remind everyone of the incredible legacy he's built.

Bruce Willis is stepping back from acting and going “off the grid.”

A picture says a thousand words. Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, shared the first photos of the actor since announcing his aphasia diagnosis.

Bruce Willis is all smiles enjoying an “off-the-grid” day out with wife Emma Heming Willis. It’s the first public photo of the actor since the announcement he was “stepping away” from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia.

Bruce Willis' wife, Emma Heming Willis, has shared a new photo of them together in what they call their «favorite habitat.»"#offthegrid," Emma captioned a new Instagram post featuring the couple embracing while sitting on a tree trunk outside. Emma noted the picture was taken by their daughter, Mabel Ray Willis, who recently celebrated her 10th birthday. The smiling couple garnered tons of love from followers in the comments.

Coming together. Bruce Willis is feeling grateful that his blended family is united in their support for him as he battles aphasia, an insider exclusively reveals in the new issue of Us Weekly.

Bruce Willis‘ family revealed that he was diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that affects the ability to communicate. Because of this, he has made the decision to retire from acting.

Bruce Willis and Emma Heming Willis are enjoying each other's company following the announcement he will be "stepping away" from acting due to his aphasia diagnosis. The "Armageddon" star's wife took to Instagram to share some new photos of the couple on a hike.  "Mom & Dad in their favorite habitat," Heming captioned the post, along with the hashtag #offthegrid. The first photo showed Willis, 67, and his wife gazing into each other's eyes and smiling while sitting on a big tree trunk in the woods.

Hollywood acting legend Bruce Willis had a smile on his face as he enjoyed a nature walk with his wife, Emma Heming Willis, on Wednesday, a week after it was revealed that he is stepping away from acting following his shock aphasia diagnosis.The Die Hard actor, 67, looked content as he gazed at his wife and then smiled into the camera as they sat on a log surrounded by woodland in a series of candid snaps taken by the couple’s ten year old daughter, Mabel. Emma posted, 43, the images to her Instagram account with the caption: “Mom & dad in their favorite habitat”, and credited the heartwarming images to their daughter Mabel Ray Willis.The couple dressed casually for the outdoor adventure, with bruce donning grey jeans, a khaki shirt, a bright orange gilet and walking boots, and Emma in blue jeans, a purple top and a light black jacket.

BRUCE Willis is pictured for the first time since his tragic aphasia diagnosis was revealed.  His wife, Emma Hemming Willis, shared a touching photo on Instagram of the two sitting in the woods. “Mom & Dad in their favorite habitat,” read the photo’s caption.

Bruce Willis and his wife Emma Heming Willis have been enjoying some quality time together since the actor's aphasia diagnosis was made public by the family – and they've now shared some adorable pictures of their time away.MORE: Bruce Willis' wife Emma pays heartfelt tribute to young daughter on her birthday alongside family photosTaking to Instagram on Wednesday, Emma shared two gorgeous pictures taken by their eldest daughter, ten-year-old Mabel Ray – and the couple look as in love as ever.WATCH: Emma Heming Willis shares rare footage of Bruce following aphasia revelation"Mom & Dad in their favorite habitat #offthegrid," Emma wrote alongside the two pictures.RELATED: What is aphasia? Bruce Willis’ shock health condition explainedREAD: John Travolta pens emotional tribute to longtime friend Bruce Willis following his devastating health diagnosisIn the snaps, the couple can be seen sitting on a log and gazing at each other's eyes, whilst smiling. The second photo shows Emma resting her head on Bruce's shoulder while he smiles for the camera. Emma and Bruce got married in 2009Fans rushed to comment on the sweet post.

Bruce Willis seems to be doing well amid his recent aphasia diagnosis. The 67-year-old actor was seen in new photos taken by his wife, Emma Heming Willis, that she posted to her Instagram on Wednesday.

Bruce Willis feels a "sense of relief" after going public about his aphasia diagnosis. The 67-year-old star recently announced he was stepping away from his acting career after being diagnosed with aphasia - which impedes a person's ability to speak and write - and Bruce feels like he's now "got that monkey off his back". The source told Us Weekly: "The closest members of his inner circle were all aware of his issue and had been for some time.

Bruce Willis and his family are “so honored” by the response from the public after announcing his aphasia diagnosis, a source exclusively reveals in the latest issue of Us Weekly.

Bruce Willis and his family are spending extra time together and reflecting on their many memories amid his aphasia diagnosis. On March 30, the star's loved ones announced that he was stepping away from acting after being diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that causes loss of the ability to understand or express speech. A source told People magazine in this week’s cover story that Willis’ family has displayed a united front.

This is so moving!

Demi Moore and her daughter Scout Willis spent some quality time together at the museum just days after Scout and the rest of her siblings announced Bruce Willis’ illness. The two posed beside pianist Alex Koo in front of a beautiful cherry blossom painting.

Bruce Willis' family recently announced the heartbreaking news of his aphasia diagnosis.MORE: Bruce Willis' wife Emma issues new statement following star's health diagnosisThe Die Hard actor is a doting dad to five daughters, and over the weekend his oldest child with wife Emma celebrated her tenth birthday.The occasion would have been bittersweet given Bruce's diagnosis but Emma made sure to make Mabel's birthday extra special.VIDEO: Bruce Willis and Emma Hemming's young daughter supported by family as she learns to ride a bikeThe doting mom posted a heartfelt tribute to her daughter on Instagram, alongside footage of her in a school play, and two photographs of her with each of her parents.READ: John Travolta pens emotional tribute to longtime friend Bruce Willis following his devastating health diagnosisMORE: Demi Moore's daughter Tallulah shares health update after visit to doctorIn the caption, Emma wrote: "That's right baby, dream BIG, keep reaching for the stars and remember to live it up! Happy 10th birthday to you Mabel Ray. You are all heart and soul.

Rumer Willis escaped from Los Angeles to enjoy a little break in the desert following the sad news of her father, Bruce Willis’, aphasia diagnosis. The 33-year-old actress was spotted in Palm Springs attending Kourtney Kardashian’s Camp Poosh event on Saturday (April 2), where a slew of Tinseltown beauties enjoyed a spa-like retreat, including Adrienne Houghton and Steph Shepherd. Rumer was snapped receiving a few luxurious treatments as she rocked a bright orange bikini, as seen in photos here.

It turns out Bruce Willis has been secretly struggling with symptoms of aphasia, a language disorder that affects a person’s ability to communicate, for a lot longer than anyone may have thought.

Bruce Willis will be “stepping away” from his acting career after he was diagnosed with aphasia, his family has announced. According to the actor’s wife, Emma Heming Willis, who shared the news on Instagram, alongside a number of Willis’ other family members, on Wednesday, the diagnosis came after the Red star had been “experiencing some health issues,” with her post noting the disorder has been “impacting his cognitive abilities”.

AS hard-nosed copper DCI Frank Burnside in The Bill, actor Chris Ellison was famous for his terse one-liners. But now Chris, 75, has been cast into a twilight world with the same speech debilitating illness as Hollywood action movie Bruce Willis.

Bruce Willis ' daughter Scout Willis has shared her support for her dad after he announced he was stepping away from acting.The 67 year old Hollywood legend has been diagnosed with aphasia – a condition which has affected his cognitive abilities. A statement by Bruce’s family was shared on Instagram, announcing the news.

Reliving their best memories. Amid the news that Bruce Willis would retire from acting amid his battle with aphasia, daughter Rumer Willis is looking back at their sweetest moments together.

Hollywood favourite Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming has taken to her Instagram to thank fans for their support after the announcement earlier this week that he is to retire from acting following aphasia diagnosis.The 67 year old legendary actor has been diagnosed with aphasia – a condition which has affected his cognitive abilities. His wife Emma, 43, took to her Instagram on Thursday to share a message with her 215k followers after the news was announced. She shared a simple message on a pink background.

Bruce Willis’ wife Emma is doing all she can to help the actor following his shock aphasia diagnosis. The model, 43, is “working with several medical professionals” to help the Hollywood star in his battle against the cognitive impairment. A source close to the couple told People that the diagnosis has “been hard for” Emma as “it’s not easy seeing a spouse decline”.

Bruce Willis and his wife have sold $65 million in real estate over the last four years, as the beloved actor sought to simplify his life amid his deteriorating health. Willis, 67, has been diagnosed with the degenerative brain condition aphasia, his family announced on Wednesday, and is drawing the curtain on his legendary Hollywood career that spans 44 years. Supported by his wife of 13 years - Victoria's Secret model Emma Heming, 43 - Willis will now spend most of his time at their $9.

Rumer Willis is opening up about the impact her dad Bruce Willis has had on her life following the announcement the actor is stepping away from acting due to his aphasia diagnosis. The 33-year-old daughter of Willis and Demi Moore commended her father on Friday for encouraging her to laugh over the years. "I love you Daddio, to the [moon emoji] and Back," Rumer wrote in a post shared to Instagram on Friday.

BRUCE Willis' daughter Rumer has shared a secret snap showing her fun-filled childhood with her dad amid his brain disorder battle. The Sun recently told how the Armageddon actor had suffered brain issues for 25 years before his family revealed his grave aphasia diagnosis.