The family of 69-year-old actor Bruce Willis continues to support him as he battles frontotemporal dementia (FTD). His ex-wife, Demi Moore, recently gave updates on his condition and their family’s experience dealing with the progressive brain disease.
In an interview with CNN, Moore, 62, stated that Willis is in a “stable place” as the family adjusts to their circumstances. “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.”
The initial signs of Willis’ condition were subtle changes that his wife Emma initially linked to his childhood stutter. As his symptoms advanced, Willis began to have more noticeable communication difficulties on movie sets. Emma later disclosed these early warning signs in an interview with Today, stressing the importance of recognizing symptoms early.
Cognitive changes became evident during Willis’ final acting years. The Los Angeles Times reported that filmmakers noticed his difficulties with remembering lines, leading to the reduction of his dialogue and increased use of body doubles for action sequences. On one occasion, Willis “had fired a gun on the wrong cue” during filming, according to crew members who worked with him in his final years on set.
Willis, known for his role as John McClane in the “Die Hard” series, has been a staple in Hollywood for years, starring in major films like “Pulp Fiction” (1994), “The Sixth Sense” (1999), and “Armageddon”(1998). His ability to perform across action, drama, and comedy genres made him one of the most recognizable stars of his era.
The family made Willis’ diagnosis of aphasia public in spring 2022. By February 2023, they disclosed a more specific diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.
The family’s official statement, released through the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), expressed their gratitude for the public’s support and highlighted Bruce’s lifelong habit of helping 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. Medical experts at Northwestern University’s Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology in Illinois note that in the US, FTD mostly affects people aged 45 to 64, making it the most common form of dementia in people under 60.
Medical experts at the Medical University of South Carolina describe FTD as primarily manifesting in two forms: the behavioral variant, which affects personality and social behavior, and primary progressive aphasia, which impacts language skills. The average life expectancy after diagnosis ranges from 7 to 13 years, though individual experiences can vary significantly.
Willis’ family has implemented a coordinated care plan, ensuring that someone is always with him. His daughters, current wife, Emma, and ex-wife, Moore, coordinate their schedules to provide maximum support. Based on family statements, they prioritize creating moments of joy and connection, adapting activities to engage Willis as his condition evolves.
The actor’s extended family, including his daughters Rumer, 36, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 30, from his marriage to Moore, along with daughters Mabel and Evelyn with Emma, provide a robust support system. Moore continues her weekly visits when she is in Los Angeles, displaying the family’s commitment to unity during this challenging period. “Bruce’s family has remained supportive and close-knit throughout his health challenges,” People magazine reported.
Moore’s support for Willis extends beyond her visits. Recent reports indicate that she has been actively collaborating with Emma to manage his care, often adjusting her schedule to be available when needed. Despite her professional obligations, including recent award nominations and industry recognition, Moore has prioritized supporting her former husband and their blended family.
Moore’s own Hollywood career spans decades, with significant roles in Ghost (1990), A Few Good Men (1992), Indecent Proposal (1993), and more recently, a critically acclaimed performance in The Substance (2024).
Emma has become a strong advocate for FTD awareness and caregiver support. She shares experiences of their daily challenges and triumphs through social media and public appearances, providing guidance for other families dealing with similar situations. Her advocacy work includes a partnership with the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration to provide resources for other affected families.
The family’s decision to share their story has made a significant impact. The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration reported an increase in public awareness and support following their announcement. Their openness has helped other families identify early symptoms and seek proper medical evaluation, addressing the crucial problem of delayed diagnosis that affects many FTD patients.
