Did Bruce Willis suffer from a hidden illness before disclosing his aphasia diagnosis? 

The action star's relatives revealed on Wednesday that he will be retiring from acting due to his serious brain condition. 

The "inevitable" moment of waving farewell to his great career had arrived a long time ago. 

According to an insider who told The Sun, individuals close to their family have known for the previous twenty years that this day would come, and now they realize that the unavoidable has occurred. 

"Bruce is taking a break from acting and openly admitting what's going on with him." 

For Bruce Willis' ex-wife Demi Moore and their children, however, it has been a nearly 18-year journey from first sensing that anything was amiss with him to now understanding that he needs to retire. 

Meanwhile, Bruce's daughters Rumer and Scout were apparently aware of the issue in early 2005 and have been sympathetic since.

Furthermore, the "Die Hard" star has apparently worked with his "slowly worsening illness" for several years, but "it ceased being anything they wanted to hide anymore." 

Demi Moore, their kids, and Bruce Willis' wife Emma are all behind him as he takes this next step in his life now that the diagnosis has been made public. 

None of them were surprised, and the family is relieved that the actor was able to work and earn a livelihood for as long as he did. 

However, they are not ruling out the possibility of his returning for special appearances or events if he is able. 

"However, they're officially in a new phase now, when keeping Bruce as comfortable and pain-free as possible is the new objective, rather than keeping his acting work going." 

READ ALSO: Bruce Willis' Stunt Double Shares Heartbreaking 'Changes' Before Aphasia Announcement

On Wednesday, Bruce Willis' family issued a joint statement on their Instagram pages, along with a star photo, stating that the actor has been diagnosed with aphasia. 

Demi, 59, has supported his ex-husband and Emma while adjusting to life with the ailment.

Demi and Bruce stayed quite close despite their divorce in 2000. 

According to another source, the "Ghost" actress and her small group of pals in Los Angeles have been supportive of the pair as they make the change. 

The former couple and their two adult kids are still close as a "close and tight-knit family."

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Tags: Bruce Willis Bruce Willis Aphasia