Bruce Willis was spotted for the first time in public since news of his frontotemporal dementia diagnosis was released by his family last month. The actor was out in Santa Monica on Thursday in the company of friends.
Keep reading for the details.
Bruce Willis At 67, Living With Dementia
other | MARCA
Spotted In Santa Monica
The actor was seen grabbing coffee with two friends in Santa Monica, California, on Thursday. He donned a blue sweater, black joggers, and a woolen hat for the outing.
Trending
Retirement From Acting
Giphy
The movie star retired from acting last year, as he began battling with aphasia, which has caused his language difficulties. However, things have taken a downward turn since then.
Must Read
Family Statement
Giphy
Willis' family released a statement via Instagram and The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration's website last month, confirming his FTD diagnosis.
"Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce's original diagnosis. In the spirit of that, we wanted to give you an update about our beloved husband, father and friend since we now have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing. 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."
Frontotemporal Dementia
This disease affects the lobes of the brain behind the forehead, responsible for behavior, problem-solving, planning, and emotions.
Its symptoms include personality changes, obsessive behavior, and speaking difficulties.
More About FTD
Giphy | IFC
This disease is the most common form of dementia, and the diagnosis may take years to confirm.
"FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know."
Bruce's Family Are Positive
Giphy
The family expressed optimism about finding a treatment for the untreatable disease.
"Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. As Bruce's condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research."
Raising Awareness
The statement also stated how much Willis believed in using his voice to effect the needed change and bring awareness to issues.
"Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately. 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."
Encouraging Others To Find Help
They rounded up their statement by encouraging affected persons to seek help through the information and support available on the website. They also appreciate the fans for the love and compassion shown thus far.
Bruce's Children
The actor fathers five children from two women. He shares Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah with Demi Moore in their marriage that lasted from 1987-2000, and then two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn, with his current wife, Emma
A Long Term Battle
According to sources, the actor has been battling cognitive issues on movie sets for years, and he even used earpiece in order to help him remember his lines.
Open Secret
His problems with comprehension is popular news among colleagues, and he has had lots of trouble acting in movies. This is why his friends flocked to social media to show his support as the news of his dementia broke out.
Need A Proof?
Giphy | The Good Films
To confirm the news, the actor wore an earpiece in a scene for the American Siege, filmed in 2020. The project happened two years before Willis' aphasia.
Troubles On 'Glass' Set
Another source also disclosed his struggles on the set of Glass, which was released in 2019.
"While filming Glass, staffers worked around him by cutting and editing and having him overdub lines because he struggled to remember and/or deliver them."
An Illustrious Career
Willis' retirement last year marked the end of his shiny career, which recorded a Golden Globe win and two Emmys win in the process.
Little Beginnings
Giphy | 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
He began his long walk to fame on the small screen. Willis starred in small-screen shows like Miami Vice and the Twilight Zone in the 1980s.
The Big Break
He broke into the limelight when he starred opposite Cybill Shepherd in Moonlighting, which aired from 1985-1989.
'Die Hard'
Willis became a household name and landed on everybody's lips following his role as John McClane in the blockbuster Die Hard, which premiered in 1988 and bore six sequels.
More Projects
twitter | Twitter
The actor didn't stop there. He went on to deliver stellar performances in Pulp Fiction, 12 Monkeys, The Sixth Sense, and the superhero film, Unbreakable.
