It is World Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness Week. The condition, aphasia, had unfortunately recently been diagnosed in the beloved actor of many classic films, Bruce Willis. Since the shocking revelation came to light, fans everywhere have continued their outpour of support and celebrate his career in movies. In addition, Willis’ family, including his ex-wife, Demi Moore, their children, and his current wife, Emma Heming Willis, have graciously shared touching moments with the actor and his support system with fans on social media, as well as tidbits of updates here and there that try to keep the mood positive and optimistic.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Emma Heming Willis has recently appeared on Today in an interview with Hoda Kotb for an in-depth conversation about Frontotemporal Dementia and addresses life with Bruce as they deal with the illness. Heming Willis was inquired about Bruce if he is understands the health issue that has befell him. She responded, “Hard to know. It’s hard to know.” She explains in further detail, “It’s hard on the person diagnosed, it’s also hard on the family. And that is no different for Bruce, or myself, or our girls. When they say this is a family disease, it really is.”
While appearing on Today, Heming Willis was joined by the CEO of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, Susan Dickinson. Both women would address some of the difficult questions that the audience may have in regards to the condition. Dickinson expounded that, “It can affect speech, behaviors, personality and what we call executive functioning.” While Heming Willis stated that it’s hard to know where Bruce’s awareness of his issues are, Dickson made aware that the disease can affect some people’s comprehension of their deteriorating health condition. THR states, “Willis’ neurological disease impacts his memory, language processing and communication abilities, among other health effects.”
After Willis was diagnosed with the disease, his wife has become an advocate for World Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness Week, which has started. The condition currently has no cure. Bruce Willis and Emma Heming Willis were married in 2009 and welcomed into the world two daughters, Mabel (age 11) and Evelyn (age 9). Willis also has daughters from his past marriage with Demi Moore — Rumer (age 34) Scout (age 31) and Tallulah (age 29).
Willis’ family announced his diagnosis and his subsequent retirement from acting in 2022.