Bruce Willis has largely remained out of the spotlight since his family announced his health battle in 2022.
At the time, the Die Hard actor, along with his family, revealed he would be taking a step back from Hollywood and acting due to his declining health. It was later revealed that directors and fellow actors who had worked with Willis in the years leading up to his diagnosis had voiced concerns about his mental state, going as far as to cut back his lines in his final films.
Bruce Willis’ Aphasia Diagnosis
Initially the then-67-year-old star was diagnosed with aphasia, a disorder that affects that way one communicates.
“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,” eldest daughter Rumer Willis shared in March 2022.
However, nearly one year later, his diagnosis was updated.
Bruce Willis Has Frontotemporal Dementia
In February 2023, Rumer announced that her father’s disorder had progressed and was now considered frontotemporal dementia.
“Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces,” she said. “While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, frontotemporal dementia affect the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, the areas of the brain associated with personality, behavior and language.
“In frontotemporal dementia, parts of these lobes shrink, known as atrophy. Symptoms depend on which part of the brain is affected. Some people with frontotemporal dementia have changes in their personalities. They become socially inappropriate and may be impulsive or emotionally indifferent. Others lose the ability to properly use language.”
Bruce Willis’ Wife Shares Health Update
Bruce’s wife, Emma Heming, sat down with ABC for a rare interview to discuss her husband’s battle.
Heming revealed that she made the “hardest decision” to move her husband into a separate house where he can have round-the-clock care.
“Bruce would want that for our daughters,” she said. “He would want them to be in a home that was more tailored to their needs, not his needs.”
The couple share 13-year-old daughter Mabel and 11-year-old Evelyn.
“When we go over, either we’re outside, or we’re watching a movie. It’s just really about being able to be there, and connect with Bruce,” she continued. “It is a house that is filled with love, and warmth, and care, and laughter. And it’s been beautiful to see that, to see how many of Bruce’s friends continue to show up for him, and they bring in life, and fun.”
