When Willis’s health struggles became public in March 2022, Stallone was among the first to offer heartfelt support, sharing vintage photos of the two together and writing, "We go back a long way. Praying for the best for you and your wonderful family".

The relationship between the two stars wasn't always smooth. In 2013, a public feud erupted when Willis reportedly asked for a higher fee to appear in The Expendables 3 , leading Stallone to famously tweet that Willis was "greedy and lazy". However, by 2014, Stallone had already reached out to "bury the hatchet," admitting his mistake and calling Willis a "stand-up guy". A Heartfelt Update in 2022

: Stallone noted that Willis was going through "really, really difficult times".

: Despite the physical and cognitive barriers caused by aphasia, Stallone's outreach underscored a friendship that had moved past professional disputes to focus on human connection.

Later that year, Stallone provided a poignant update on Willis's condition:

This chapter in their lives serves as a reminder of the fragility of health and the importance of mending bridges before it’s too late. To learn more about how to support those with similar conditions, you can visit the National Aphasia Association for resources and information. Sylvester Stallone No Longer Thinks That Bruce Willis Sucks

: He shared that Willis had been "sort of incommunicado," a reality that Stallone admitted "kills me" and is "so sad".

In 2022, the entertainment world was shaken when the family of action icon announced his retirement following a diagnosis of aphasia , a condition that affects communication. This news led to a deeply moving moment in Hollywood history: the public reconciliation and show of support from his longtime friend and former rival, Sylvester Stallone . Buried Hatchets and Old Friendships