AceShowbiz - Bruce Willis faced issues on the set of his recent films for a long time before his aphasia diagnosis was revealed. The actor had cognitive issues causing his family to step in "to take care of him," Page Six reported.

According to the news outlet, Bruce's cognitive issues started back in 2020. It was when he filmed a string of mostly B action movies with titles such as "American Siege", "Survive the Game', "Cosmic Sin" and "Hard Kill".

"He was having cognitive problems, they all knew Bruce was having problems," a source said. "Everybody knew, the cast and crew. His family has stepped in, they moved in to take care of him."

The 67-year-old star was also said to be using "earpieces, hearing things, for them to feed him the lines" and "it was increasingly difficult to have him on screen." His condition allegedly prompted one production to use a body double at times.

"It became very apparent that he was having problems," claimed the source. "So they'd use body doubles, not just for action [sequences], but for maximizing his screen time."

The source added that for at least one project, the "Die Hard" actor's screen time was "whittled down” because of the issues as he shot for just three days. "It was becoming super obvious he was having trouble … he could not act anymore," said the source.

The family of the John McClane depicter in the "Die Hard" film series announced on Wednesday, March 30 that he would quit acting after he was diagnosed with aphasia. "To Bruce's amazing supporters, as a family we wanted 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," the announcement read.

"As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him," they noted alongside a photo of the actor. "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."

"As Bruce always says, 'Live it up' and together we plan to do just that," the family concluded, signing the note from the Bruce's daughters Rumer Willis, Scout Willis, Tallulah Willis, Mabel Willis and Evelyn Willis, plus his wife Emma Heming Willis and ex-wife Demi Moore.