Haley Joel Osment Says He Is "So Grateful" To Have Worked With Bruce Willis In The Sixth Sense In Emotional Instagram Tribute

Haley Joel Osment is "grateful" to have worked with Bruce Willis.

The 33-year-old actor has taken to Instagram to express his "deep admiration" for Willis, his co-star in the 1999 supernatural thriller The Sixth Sense. Willis recently announced his retirement from acting after he was diagnosed with aphasia, a degenerative condition that affects communication.

Osment wrote: "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. 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."

The A.I. Artificial Intelligence star went on to send his well-wishes to Willis and his family as they “move forward" with “courage” following the aphasia diagnosis.

He said: "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."

They said: "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."

In other Willis-related news. the Los Angeles Times (via Variety) reported that several directors had concerns working with the actor in the years leading up to his retirement announcement. The directors claimed to have witnessed the effects of aphasia on Willis, who would occasionally forget his lines, forcing them to shorten his scripts. — BANG SHOWBIZ

Photos: TPG News/Click Photos