Opinion : Reading my mind: Yippie-ki-yay

There are very few actors and actresses that I love to see in the movies. But one of them I love is Bruce Willis. The guy has been fortunate to be able to find the funniest writers for his TV series "Moonlighting" with Cybil Shephard back in the 80s to all of the quirky lines he said in the movies.

While he could make you laugh through that series, he also had you on the edge of your seat in the "Die Hard" series. Everyone knows who said, "Yippe-ki-yay..." and when you mention the "Die Hard" series Willis' face comes to mind. He's the only one that could pull off shooting at someone in a scene while cracking a joke in the next line. Another of his movies that I love is "Red." I suppose there's something about thinking there's some guy out there that is as tough as Bruce seems to be that makes these movies fun to watch.

I don't know about you, but there are few actors that at the mention of their name, bring a smile. Bruce Willis is one of those.

Unfortunately, his family announced that he has aphasia, which I had to google. I'm sure millions of others did as well. Wikipedia says that it is, "An inability to comprehend or formulate language because of damage to specific brain regions. The major causes are stroke and head trauma. Aphasia can also be the result of brain tumors, brain infections, or neurodegenerative diseases, but the latter is far less prevalent."

His eldest daughter Rumer posted the following: 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. 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. 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.
Love,
Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, & Evelyn"

It's always sad to see anyone suffer, but when it's a guy you'll always think of as a tough guy it's hard to even imagine.

The line from "The Last Boy Scout" as he played private detective Joe Hallenback, advising Jimmy Dix his accidental partner would've come in handy for Chris Rock this past weekend. Willis' line from the movie was, "You can't just walk up and slap a guy. You have to say something cool first." I don't know, maybe that would've made Will Smith look cooler, but I doubt it.

Willis has been one of those characters that had dabbled in music and could've probably made it in comedy. He was known to say things that rankled politically-minded folks once in a while as well. He was also the guy the showed up on Letterman's show with a grass wig.

Whatever your relationship with Willis' movies, you can't help but think of some of the one-liners that he had during his shows. Like the time he was in a furnace vent in one of the Die Hard movies he quips, "Now I know how a TV dinner feels.

But I have to admit the line that comes to mind in summing up how the news of Bruce's health hit me. It was the line he had in "The Kid." My reaction was, "Somebody call the waaambbulance."

Here's wishing Bruce and his family the very best as they face the uncertain future. May all of the laughs that he brought to all of us on screen be a comfort in the days ahead.