Bruce Willis, the iconic actor known for his roles in Die Hard, The Sixth Sense, and Armageddon, has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. This diagnosis was confirmed by his family in February 2023, following an earlier announcement in March 2022 that he was stepping away from acting due to aphasia, a language disorder affecting his ability to communicate. The progression from aphasia to FTD has significantly impacted his health and quality of life.
At 70 years old, Willis’s condition has deteriorated to the point where he is now nonverbal, unable to walk, read, or recall details from his extensive career in Hollywood. He is fully dependent on his family for daily care. Reports indicate that he no longer speaks and does not remember his time in Hollywood, highlighting the severe impact of FTD on his cognitive functions and daily activities.
His family, including his wife Emma Heming Willis, ex-wife Demi Moore, and their five daughters, have been actively involved in his care. They have shared updates on social media, expressing both the challenges and the love that define their journey together. Emma Heming Willis has also authored a book titled Unexpected Journey, set to be released in September 2025, which focuses on her experience as a caregiver.
The family’s openness about Willis’s condition has brought increased awareness to FTD, a disease that is often underrecognized and lacks effective treatments. Their advocacy continues to shed light on the realities of living with dementia and the importance of support for both patients and caregivers.
Bruce Willis’s battle with FTD serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those living with neurodegenerative diseases and the critical need for greater awareness and research into such conditions.
