“While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”
Following an aphasia diagnosis, Bruce Willis’ family revealed the actor has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
The family opened up about his condition in a joint statement from his wife Emma Heming, their daughters Mabel and Evelyn, ex-wife Demi Moore, and their daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah Willis.
As a family, we wanted to thank you all for the outpouring of love and compassion for Bruce over the last ten months,” they wrote “Your generosity of spirit has been overwhelming, and we are tremendously grateful for it. For your kindness, and because we know you love Bruce as much as we do, we wanted to give you an update.”
“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),” they continued. “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 family described FTD as a “cruel disease” with no treatments in a longer statement posted on the website of The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.
“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,” they continued.
“Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately,” they wrote. “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.”
Willis was mentioned at the end of their statement “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. We have been so moved by the love you have all shared for our dear husband, father, and friend during this difficult time. Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible.”
Messages of support poured in from Bruce’s family members almost immediately.
Michael J. Fox’s wife Tracy Pollan left a string of heart emojis on Emma’s post, while Bonnie Hunt commented on Demi’s writing, “An abundance of love for you dear Demi, for Bruce, for all of you,family♥️ so much love.”
“Love to you, him and the family. You’re an amazing human. It’s beautiful to honor him and your family the way you are. Makes my heart smile,” Marlon Wayans wrote on Moore’s, while Selma Blair also commented, “Sending love.”
“Sending you all my love,” Wilmer Valderrama wrote on Rumer’s post, while Jonathan Tucker added, “Love this whole family.”
“Love you so much my friend!❤️ Sending hugs to you and that beautiful family of yours. Your pops is such a damn legend,” added Aaron Paul. “Sending you and your family all my love, always,” said Ireland Baldwin, while Claire Holt commented, “Sending so much love ❤️”
Meanwhile, Bruce’s “Sixth Sense” co-star Haley Joel Osment left a heart emoji on Tallulah’s share.
Jake Tapper, meanwhile, shared the news to Twitter and added, “TD is a profoundly cruel disease, my beloved father in law Tom suffered from it for years before he died. Sending all my love and prayers to their family.”
Maria Shriver also tweeted, “My heart goes out to Bruce Willis and his family, & also my gratitude for shining a much needed light on this disease. When people step forward it helps all of us. When people get a diagnosis it’s extremely difficult, but also for most a relief to get a diagnosis.”
Queen Latfian also commented on Variety’s Instagram post about the news, writing, “God bless you my brother we love you!!! all the best. Thank you and your family for all the entertainment!!!”
