Hollywood icon Bruce Willis retired from acting in 2022, after he was diagnosed with aphasia – a condition that causes difficulties with speech.
Since then, his family have made further statements to announce that the star has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, as support flowed in from fans and friends from the world of entertainment.
The actor, who turns 68 years old today (March 19, 2023), has appeared in some of the world’s biggest blockbusters including Armageddon, Pulp Fiction and The Expendables.
READ MORE: Bruce Willis’ wife shares sweet throwback snaps of Die Hard star as he battles dementia
However following his retirement, Bruce and his family hope to raise awareness of the disease as they share updates on his condition.
Retiring from acting
(Image: SCU)
Bruce Willis rose to fame in comedy-drama series Moonlighting, before becoming known as an action star in films such as Die Hard, Armageddon, Pulp Fiction, Sin City, Red, Looper, Glass and The Expendables – to name a few.
However in 2022, the Hollywood icon’s family released a statement on Instagram announcing that Bruce was retiring from acting after being diagnosed with Aphasia – a condition that causes difficulties with speech.
According to the National Health Service (NHS), Aphasia can affect reading, listening, speaking, typing or writing.
(Image: Shared Content Unit)
Speaking problems are the most common symptom and people diagnosed with the condition can have difficulties putting words together correctly, along with difficulties with their language and speech.
The family wrote in a statement that Bruce was giving up acting, as his aphasia was “impacting his cognitive abilities.”
“With much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him,” the statement read.
“This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support.”
(Image: Instagram)
Following the announcement, fans and friends from the world of entertainment sent their support to the star, with Jamie Lee Curtis writing: “Grace and guts! Love to you all.”
“Sending lots of love and healing to you all!” wrote journalist Katie Couric.
Bruce’s close friend and Expendables co-star Sylvester also posted a carousel of pictures of him and Bruce from across their acting careers on Instagram following the news.
He captioned the post: “We go back a long way, praying for the best for you and your wonderful family …”
Dementia diagnosis
(Image: Getty Images)
Earlier in 2023, Bruce’s family made a further announcement saying that the actor had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
They released a social media statement, saying that it was “a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, frontotemporal dementia refers to “a group of disorders caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the brain’s frontal lobes (the areas behind your forehead) or its temporal lobes (the regions behind your ears).”
They add that it can lead to a loss of function in these areas of the brain, causing “deterioration” or changes in behaviour and personality, along with difficulty with producing or comprehending language.
(Image: Getty Images)
Bruce’s family said in a statement that they hope the media attention regarding the actor’s diagnosis will raise awareness of the condition.
“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.”
They thanked fans and gave their “deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love,” adding that “today there are no treatments for this disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead.”
Bruce’s wife ‘hits back’ at trolls
(Image: EMMAHEMINGWILLIS/INSTAGRAM)
Bruce’s wife Emma Heming Willis hit back at online trolls, who accused her of using her husband’s dementia diagnosis for “five minutes of fame.”
Emma has been sharing memories of him on social media, but has received vile comments from the trolls following her posts.
Taking to Instagram, she has since shared a video slamming the trolls and used the post to raise awareness of Bruce’s frontotemporal dementia diagnosis.
She could be heard saying in the video: “I just saw something about me getting my “five minutes”, which is great, which means that you’re listening.
“So, I’m going to take my five minutes and I’m gonna turn it into 10 because I’m always going to advocate for my husband.
(Image: Getty Images)
“And while I’m at it, I’m going to raise awareness around [frontotemporal dementia] and for caregivers, who are unsung heroes out there.”
She added: “And then I’m going to turn my grief and my anger and my sadness into something good around something that feels less than. Watch this space because I didn’t come to play.”
Fans took to the comments section to praise Emma and send their love and support to the family, with one saying: “You are strong and your voice is getting louder and stronger… watching this space and always here to support you.”
“You’re amazing.. my dad was recently diagnosed with dementia.. no one knows the true struggle a caregiver goes through… ” penned a second.
“This community is heartbreakingly beautiful and we are all here for you,” added another.
Demi Moore ‘moving in’ to look after Bruce
(Image: Getty Images For Comedy Central)
Bruce’s ex-wife Demi Moore was reported to have moved in with him and his wife Emma following his dementia diagnosis.
Demi and Bruce have remained close friends following their divorce in 2000, with the couple sharing three children together.
She and Emma are working together to look after the Hollywood star, with a source telling Radar: “Demi has moved in, and she is not leaving until the very end.
They added: “At first no-one outside the family could understand what Demi was doing living with her ex and his new wife, but now it makes sense.
“Demi has been a rock for the family and is determined to make sure every day Bruce has left on earth will be filled with love.”
However, Bruce’s wife Emma took to Instagram to address the claims that Demi had moved in with the couple.
She wrote: “Let’s nip this one in the bud. This is so dumb. Please stop.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
