Bruce Willis's health is not looking good as his family member shared that the actor's aphasia has progressed to an even more concerning disease. This development comes after Willis retired from acting last May as a result of his aphasia.
Keep reading for the details.
Rumer Willis shared a post on her Instagram on behalf of the Willis family and updated fans on the actor's health status. According to her, he's now been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
The statement reads:
"Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD). Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis."
The 34-year-old told news outlets last year that the actor's aphasia would seriously impact his speech, and he needed to draw the curtains on his amazing acting journey. It's not been disclosed what led to this diagnosis.
This disease affects the ability to understand or speak words. The causes include stroke, a brain tumor, head injury, or anything that can lead to brain damage.
The statement stressed how much Willis found joy in life and helped everyone around him to do the same.
"It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us."
They continued by assuring fans and concerned individuals of their appreciation, especially for the love shown to Willis over the years. They added that the continued display of "compassion, understanding and respect" will encourage them to help the actor "live as full a life as possible."
The caption on Rumer's Instagram post directed fans to read the family's complete statement on the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration's website. They also expressed the urgency and importance of raising awareness of the disease.
Emma Heming Willis continued on how Willis is passionate about raising awareness on important issues around the world and in every sector.
“We know in our hearts that – if he could today -- he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.”
The disease, often diagnosed at a younger age than other forms of dementia, is characterized by personality changes, slow speech, and motion difficulties. It's responsible for 10% to 20% of all dementia diagnoses.
The legend started his acting career in the early 1980s by playing roles in films like The Verdict, Blind Date, and Sunset. His career skyrocketed when he starred opposite Cybill Shepherd in the hit ABC series Moonlighting in 1985.
The actor also featured in Die Hard, where he played the iconic role of John McClane. He appeared in four more Die Hard sequels, Pulp Fiction, 12 Monkeys, The Fifth Element, The Sixth Sense, Armageddon, and many more memorable projects.
His movies have grossed over $5 billion worldwide, making him one of the most successful actors in the industry.
The legendary actor has been nominated for five Golden Globes and won one for Moonlighting. He's also been nominated for three Emmys and won one for Moonlighting and another for his guest role in the mega-hit sitcom, Friends.
Before his retirement, he last appeared in two major movies, both in 2019: Motherless Brooklyn and Glass.
Walter Bruce Willis was born on March 19, 1955 in Idar-Oberstein, West Germany. His mother, Marlene, was German, and his father, David Willis, was an American soldier.
He grew up with a stutter, but he quickly discovered acting on a stage at a young age helped reduce it.
He married fellow Hollywood star Demi Moore in November 1987, with whom he shares three daughters: Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah. They got divorced in 2000 but have remained close friends since then.
Willis was engaged to actress Brooke Burns after divorcing Moore. However, this didn't last, as they broke up in 2004 after 10 months together.
He finally settled down with model Emma Heming in March 2009, and they have two daughters together: Mabel and Evelyn.
