Family members revealed that actor Bruce Willis’ health condition has gotten worse after nearly a year of retirement due to speech loss.
Family announces Bruce Willis’ current health condition on Instagram. Screenshot.
On February 16, the family announced bad news on social media about Bruce Willis’ current health condition. Accordingly, the Die Hard actor was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).
“Although this is painful, it is also a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis. FTD is a terrible 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. It is much more common than we realize because it can take years to diagnose,” said Bruce Willis’ family.
The family added that there is currently no treatment for the disease. They expressed hope that this reality could change in the near future, and called on the media to do something to raise awareness of the disease as well as contribute to attracting more attention and research into it by professionals.
According to Page Six , this is a joint statement, signed by current wife Emma Heming, ex-wife Demi Moore and Bruce Willis’s five daughters. They emphasized that if the Whole Nine Yards star could respond to his situation, he would like to spread more information related to the disease and connect people suffering from this debilitating disease globally.
“We are touched by the outpouring of love you have shown our husband, father and dear friend during this difficult time. Your continued compassion, understanding and respect will allow us to help Bruce live his life to the fullest,” the statement read.
Following the announcement, a series of top Hollywood stars such as Aaron Paul, Selma Blair, Alyssa Milano, Ireland Baldwin, Paris Hilton and Marlon Wayans… sent words of encouragement, support and praise to the veteran star. “Love you so much, my friend! Hugs to you and your wonderful family. You are a legend,” Aaron Paul said.
On March 30, 2022, Bruce Willis’ family announced that he would be retiring from his decades-long acting career due to aphasia.
According to the Mayo Clinic , Willis’ initial diagnosis of aphasia indicated that he had difficulty speaking, writing, and understanding language, including in conversation or text. The condition often appears after a stroke or head injury. However, Willis’ family did not reveal the specific cause of the veteran actor’s illness. It is reported that he began showing symptoms of the disease in 2020.
Family members and Bruce Willis fight illness at age 68. Photo: IG.
The 42nd Golden Raspberry Awards caused controversy by adding a new category for Bruce Willis’ Worst Performance. The change was announced by the organizers in February. Of which, 8 nominations in the category are 8 roles of the U70 actor in 2021, including: Fortress, Midnight in the Switchgrass, Out of Death, Survive the Game, American Siege, Apex, Cosmic Sin and Deadlock .
In response to the family’s announcement of illness, on March 31, 2022, John Wilson and Mo Murphy – the co-founders of the annual award announced the cancellation of the award given to Bruce Willis.
Months later, Heming shared on social media that she was struggling with pain that left her “paralyzed” and that she was learning to live with it.
Despite the difficult battle, Bruce Willis continues to appear in public with friends, as well as enjoy life with his family.
Actress Heming admitted it was difficult to cope with her husband’s worsening condition. Photo: IG.