Following a diagnosis of aphasia, Bruce Willis declared earlier this year that he would be “moving away” from acting.
What is Aphasia?
Aphasia is a communication problem that has an influence on writing, speaking, and understanding spoken language.
It would also enable Willis to continue acting in movies without actually being on set, even if he didn’t mention the diagnosis when he announced last week that he had sold his rights, allowing his “digital twin” to be used on screen.
Willis is the first Hollywood actor to fully utilize deepfake technology in this fashion. The actor previously used synthetic media to appear in a phone advertisement where his face was digitally added to the face of another performer.
The A-lister has now agreed to provide his face to Deepcake, a US company that creates “digital twins.”
In a statement, he said: “I enjoyed the accuracy with which my character came out. This short film follows my regular action-comedy formula.
“For me, it’s a wonderful chance to travel back in time. Thanks to the development of modern technology, I was able to collaborate, interact, and take part in the filming even though I was on a different continent.
“I applaud our entire staff for making it a very new and engaging experience,” he continued.
Willis’s family said earlier this year that he would no longer be acting in a statement that read: “We wanted to convey that our beloved Bruce has been suffering some health concerns and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is hurting his cognitive ability.
“As a result of this, and after careful contemplation, Bruce is leaving the profession that has meant a great deal to him.
Our family is going through a tremendously difficult time right now, so we greatly appreciate all of your love, compassion, and support.
Additionally, Willis’ wife Emma was open about the “paralyzing” sadness she experienced after learning about her husband’s illness last month.
Emma further posted a video of herself engaging in “new activities” she had discovered on Instagram in honour of National Grief Awareness Day.
Emma was also seen interacting with one of her and her husband’s daughters in the video.
“This was the summer of self-discovery—finding new activities, stepping outside of my comfort zone, and staying active,” she said in her essay. Even though my sadness sometimes is crippling, I’m learning to manage it.
The adoring mother concluded: “Grief is the deepest and purest kind of love, as my stepdaughter Scout Willis told me. I hope that gives you some solace as well.
We wish you well sir, Bruce!
