The family of actor Bruce Willis says the action man has been laid low with “a cruel disease” diagnosed as frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD).
In a statement shared Thursday, the 67-year-old star’s family stated that while the news “is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”
The family said, “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”.
The family of the ailing 67-year-old actor added: “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.
“FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone.”
Bruce first made a splash on TV in the 1980s when he played detective David Addison in Moonlighting before becoming a big-screen star in blockbuster films that included Die Hard, Pulp Fiction, and The Sixth Sense.
“We have been so moved by the love you have all shared for our dear husband, father, and friend during this difficult time,” said the statement attributed to Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn.
“It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us.
“Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible.”
FTD is the most common form of dementia suffered by people under 60 and is likely much more prevalent than is known.
There are no treatments for the disease, a reality that could 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,” the family said.
FULL NAME: Walter Bruce Willis
BORN: March 19, 1955
BIRTH CITY: Idar-Oberstein, Germany
SPOUSES: Demi Moore (1987-2000) and Emma Heming (2009-)
CHILDREN: Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn
ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Pisces
