Haley Joel Osment Shows Support For Bruce Willis: 'He's A True Legend'
By Kristin Myers on April 2, 2022 at 4:00 PM EDT
Actor Haley Joel Osment is opening up about Bruce Willisand his struggle with aphasia.
Osment was just a child when he starred alongside Willis in the 1999 M. Night Shyamalan drama “The Sixth Sense.” The film spawned the famous line “I see dead people” and won Osment the Critics’ Choice Movie Award For Best Young Performer.
Shortly after the “Die Hard” actor’s daughter disclosed his aphasia diagnosis, Osment took to social media in order to show support for his friend and former costar.
Haley Joel Osment Calls Bruce Willis ‘Someone I’ve Always Look Up To’
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In an Instagram post, Osment posted a photo of Bruce Willis alongside a heartfelt caption showing his support.
“It’s been difficult to find the right words for someone I’ve always looked up to—first on the big screen, and then by some wild stroke of luck, in person,” he began. “He’s a true legend who has enriched all of our lives with a singular career that spans nearly half a century.”
“I am so grateful for what I got to witness firsthand, and for the enormous body of work he built for us to enjoy for years and years to come,” he went on. “I just wanted to express the respect and deep admiration I have for Bruce and his family as they move forward with the courage and high spirits that have always defined them.”
Many fans showered the post with heart emojis and seconded Osment’s tribute, calling Bruce Willis a legend.
Haley Joel Osment Fans Praise His Thoughtful Tribute To Bruce Willis’ Career
“Your and Bruce’s performances in ‘The Sixth Sense’ are among the greatest ever put on film,” one fan wrote. “Shall be keeping him and all of his loved ones at the forefront of my thoughts.”
“Thank you for sharing such thoughtful words,” another shared. “The two of you on Sixth Sense were magic. I’ll never tire watching that movie. 💛”
“I love this ❤️” another wrote. “The Sixth Sense is still my favorite movie of all time. Incredible acting.”
“Bruce is a legend and will be missed. All that matters now is his health,” another commented. “Sending him and his family love and light. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”
“Beautifully put, Haley,” another wrote. “Sixth Sense worked so well because of how you two played off one another.”
Last Wednesday, the world was both shocked and devastated to learn that Bruce Willis had been struggling with aphasia, as disclosed by his daughter in a statement on Instagram.
Bruce Willis Is 'Stepping Away From The Career That Has Meant So Much To Him'
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On Wednesday, March 30 daughter Rumer Willis shared his health condition with the world on Instagram.
“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,” she explained. “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,” she continued. “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,” she concluded.
Many fans and famous friends reached out to express their condolences. Although many in the industry have spoken out about their experiences working with Bruce Willis on set, which included cutting pages of dialogue and concern after he misfired guns on set, most seemed unaware of his diagnosis.
Hilarie Burton commented, “Sending you big hugs, babe. Xoxoxo.”
Tommy Dorfman wrote, “love you.”
Evan Ross Katz shared, “Sending love to you, Bruce and your beautiful family.”
Jonathan Sadowski commented, “Sending you guys all my love.”
Jayson Blair wrote, “Sending love to y’all.”
Elaine Welteroth wrote, “Sending so much love.”