Bruce Willis diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia

The family of Pulp Fiction and Die Hard star Bruce Willis have announced that the actor has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.

In May 2022, Willis retired from acting as a result of aphasia. In a statement posted on the website of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, Willis' wife Emma Heming, his ex-wife Demi Moore, and their daughters Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel and Evelyn revealed that Willis' aphasia had progressed into a diagnosis of dementia.

Language and memory issues fueled speculation about his cognitive state, but they were "just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces," according to his family.

“FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and [which] can strike anyone,“ the family further stated. „For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know.“

“Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. 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.”

Thank you Emma, and thank you Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, & Evelyn. Your courage and resolve in sharing this story means so much to our community. Know that our community are here for you in this #EveryFTDStoryCounts #SupportBruceWillisFTD https://t.co/pDL0mDaXXy

— The AFTD (@AFTDHope) February 16, 2023

Willis became one of the most famous actors of the '80s and '90s after making his television debut on Moonlighting. He is best known for his roles in the Die Hard franchise, Pulp Fiction, The Fifth Element, Twelve Monkeys, The Last Boy Scout, The Sixth Sense, and several family comedies. The 67-year-old has also worked as a voice actor, most notably for voicing a baby in Look Who's Talking and its sequel.

There will be a few more Bruce Willis films in the coming years, as the actor continued his action career in the years leading up to his retirement, though with diminishing success.

The Razzies, the annual awards for the year's worst films, added a category for “worst performance by Bruce Willis in a 2021 movie“. After his aphasia diagnosis, The Razzies rescinded the award.

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. pic.twitter.com/macAukMe7U

— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) February 16, 2023

In the statement the family said: “Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately. 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.”

Since the diagnosis, the family has also advocated for greater understanding and awareness of frontotemporal dementia. They said: “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.

“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.”