Bruce Willis’ Condition Worsens With Frontotemporal Dementia Diagnosis
17.02.2023 - 00:01
/ deadline.com
Actor Bruce Willis has been newly diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, a serious indication of a progression of the aphasia his family announced in 2022.
Willis’ family made the new announcement today.
“FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone,” says the statement, attributed to Willis’ wife Emma Hemming Willis, ex-wife Demi Moore and children Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn.
In March 2022, the family announced that the Die Hard, Armageddon and Pulp Fiction star was “stepping away” from acting due to aphasia, a condition that affects ability to speak, write and understand language.
Today, the family updated that news, writing, “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.”
Willis’ family then goes on to express thanks to Willis’ many fans. “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.”
The 67-year-old Willis skyrocketed to fame as the co-star, with Cybill Shepherd, of the comedy-drama crime-solving series Moonlighting (1985-89). The two stars portrayed partners in a private detective agency, with the will-they-or-won’t-they romance dynamic rivaled at the time only by Ted Danson and Shelley Long of Cheers.
Big screen superstardom followed for Willis when he starred as John McClane