Rumer Willis, the eldest daughter of actor Bruce Willis, provided an update on her father’s health at the Jhpiego Laughter Is the Best Medicine Gala. She informed multiple news outlets that Bruce Willis, known for his roles in “Die Hard” and “Pulp Fiction,” is currently doing well amid his ongoing health challenges.
Bruce Willis, 69, was diagnosed with aphasia in 2022, which later progressed to frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a condition characterized by emotional issues, unusual behaviors, and communication difficulties, as reported by the National Institute on Aging. The initial announcement about his aphasia led him to retire from acting, but the condition has since evolved, prompting more public awareness and discussion from his family.
During her interview with Extra, Rumer Willis expressed gratitude for the support and love her father continues to receive, which she attributes to his character. “As a family, especially my sisters and I, we’re just so grateful for the love that comes at him,” she stated. She believes the public’s response reflects the kind of person he is.
Rumer, who recently shared an Instagram photo of her father with her one-year-old daughter Louetta, underscored the significance of sharing their family’s experience. Speaking to Fox News Digital, she mentioned, “What’s been so incredible is my dad is so beloved. I think if there’s any way sharing our experience brings hope — whatever comes forward as a family — that can have an effect and bring any sort of hope, comfort to someone else experiencing that, then to me, that’s … everything.”
She also shared insights into the values she learned from both of her parents, who are prominent figures in Hollywood. According to Rumer, the example set by Bruce Willis and Demi Moore on respecting everyone on a film set, regardless of their role, has been a significant influence in her life. “I feel like what I learned from them was just by watching,” she noted. “Being on set, one of the biggest things I would say, just by proxy, you treat everyone with the same amount of respect, whether you’re in front of the camera, behind the camera, from the littlest job. Like, it doesn’t matter.”
The family’s openness about Bruce Willis’ health condition appears to be aimed at fostering a broader understanding and discussion about frontotemporal dementia, which remains lesser-known compared to other types of dementia. By sharing their personal experiences, the Willis family hopes to provide comfort and support to others facing similar challenges.
