Actor Bruce Willis, 69, is battling frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and his family, including ex-wife Demi Moore, have been providing updates on his condition and their journey with the progressive brain disease.
Moore, 62, recently reported to CNN that Willis is in a stable condition as the family navigates through their new reality. “I’ve shared this before, but I really mean this so sincerely,” she said. “It’s so important for anybody who’s dealing with this to really meet them where they’re at, and from that place, there is such loving and joy. There’s great loss, but there is also great beauty.”
Symptoms began subtly, initially attributed to Willis’ childhood stutter by his wife, Emma. As symptoms worsened, Willis started having pronounced communication difficulties on film sets, a fact later revealed by his wife in an interview with Today, where she emphasized the need for early recognition of symptoms.
During Willis’ final acting years, cognitive changes became evident. The Los Angeles Times detailed that filmmakers took note of his difficulties remembering dialogue, which resulted in shortened lines and increased use of body doubles. One alarming incident involved Willis firing a gun on the wrong cue during filming, as reported by crew members who worked with him during his last years on set.
Willis, renowned for his role as John McClane in the “Die Hard” series and performances in blockbusters like “Pulp Fiction” (1994), “The Sixth Sense” (1999), and “Armageddon”(1998), has been a staple in Hollywood. His widespread roles in action, drama, and comedy positioned him as one of the most recognizable actors of his era.
In spring 2022, the family disclosed Willis’ initial diagnosis of aphasia to the public. By February 2023, they revealed a more specific diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.
In a statement released through the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), the family expressed their appreciation for the public’s support and underscored Bruce’s lifelong dedication to assisting others: “Bruce has always found joy in life and has helped everyone he knows to do the same. It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us.”
FTD is a group of brain disorders that affect personality, behavior, language, and decision-making. According to the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology at Northwestern University, FTD is the most common form of dementia in people under 60 in the United States, predominantly affecting people aged 45 to 64.
Experts at the Medical University of South Carolina outline that FTD presents in two main forms: the behavioral variant, impacting personality and social behavior, and primary progressive aphasia, affecting language skills. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is between 7 to 13 years, though it varies significantly from person to person.
A coordinated care approach has been adopted by Willis’ family, ensuring he is never alone. His daughters, current wife Emma, and ex-wife Moore, arrange their schedules to provide maximum support. The family focuses on creating moments of joy and connection, adapting activities to Willis’ daily needs.
Willis’ extended family, including his daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah from his marriage to Moore, and daughters Mabel and Evelyn with Emma, form a robust support system. Moore, who continues her weekly visits when in Los Angeles, exemplifies the family’s unity during this challenging period. “Bruce’s family has remained supportive and close-knit throughout his health challenges,” People magazine reported.
Moore’s commitment to Willis extends beyond her visits. Recent reports indicate that she is actively coordinating with Emma to manage his care, often adjusting her schedule to be present when necessary. Despite her professional commitments, including recent award nominations and industry recognition, Moore has made supporting her ex-husband and their blended family a priority.
Moore’s Hollywood career, which includes notable roles in Ghost (1990), A Few Good Men (1992), and Indecent Proposal (1993), and a recent critically acclaimed role in The Substance (2024), spans several decades.
Emma has emerged as a strong advocate for FTD awareness and caregiver support. She offers insights into their daily trials and victories via social media and public appearances, assisting other families facing comparable experiences. Her advocacy work includes collaboration with the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration to provide resources for other affected families.
The family’s decision to share their journey has made a significant impact. The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration reported a substantial increase in public awareness and support following their announcement. Their transparency has aided other families in identifying early symptoms and seeking adequate medical evaluation, addressing the crucial issue of delayed diagnosis among many FTD patients.
