Bruce Willis diagnosed with dementia post-retirement; family releases statement

The actor had been diagnosed with aphasia in March 2022.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

February 17, 2023 - 2:47 PM IST

Die Hard franchise star Bruce Willis, who retired from acting last May as a result of aphasia, has now been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, as announced by his family in a statement.

Bruce Willis diagnosed with dementia post-retirement; family releases statement

“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),” his family wrote in a statement on the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s website.

“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,” his family added. Daughter Rumer Willis also confirmed the diagnosis on her Instagram by sharing a picture of her father and wrote, “Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis.”

“In the spirit of that, we wanted to give you an update about our beloved husband, father and friend since we now have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing,” she continued. “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.”

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“Frontotemporal dementia can be characterized by personality changes, speech difficulty and motor impairment. It’s the cause of 10% to 20% of all dementia diagnoses.”

Bruce Willis started his acting career in the early 1980s with uncredited roles in films such as Sidney Lumet’s The Verdict. His career exploded later that decade after he starred opposite Cybill Shepherd in the ABC series Moonlighting and his performance as John McClane in the 1988 action movie Die Hard, which gave him his first major film franchise.

Across his four-decade acting career, Willis’ movies have grossed over $5 billion worldwide. He’s been nominated for five Golden Globes (winning one for Moonlighting) and three Emmys (winning one for Moonlighting and another for his Friends guest role).

Also Read: Bruce Willis to retire from acting following Aphasia diagnosis