Bruce Willis’ family confirmed that the famous Hollywood actor had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, more than a year after revealing that he was suffering from aphasia.
The 67-year-old’s family announced the news to the public in a lengthy statement released on Thursday, February 16, in which they expressed relief at having a definitive diagnosis.
Willis was diagnosed with aphasia last spring, which causes him difficulty speaking and understanding spoken and written language. According to the statement, the aphasia has worsened and doctors have given him a more precise diagnosis.
According to the statement, which was posted on the Frontotemporal Degeneration Association’s (FTD) website, the family was relieved to finally have an answer.
Members of the family noted that there are currently no medications available for FTD, but they remain hopeful that new therapies would be developed in the near future. They also wanted the media to pay more attention to the condition because more needs to be done to raise awareness and obtain research funds.
Willis’ wife Emma Heming, ex-wife Demi Moore, and five daughters said in a statement that if the “Die Hard” actor could talk about his condition, he would like more worldwide attention to the disease to raise awareness for those who are suffering from it.
The family also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans.
Bruce Willis rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s as an action hero in films such as The Sixth Sense, Die Hard, Pulp Fiction, and Armageddon.
The actor was nominated for five Golden Globes and won one. He was nominated for three Emmys and won two of them. Willis decided to retire from acting after developing aphasia in March 2022.
Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul expressed his condolences to Willis and his family, calling him a “damn legend.” Queen Latifah, an actress and singer, also expressed her solidarity on Instagram.