Bruce Willis’s health has taken a heartbreaking turn. As of mid-2025, the 70-year-old actor can no longer speak, read, or walk independently due to the progression of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Once known for his strong on-screen presence in films like Die Hard and The Sixth Sense, Bruce is now living a vastly different life—one defined by constant care and the quiet support of his devoted family.
His wife, Emma Heming Willis, recently confirmed that Bruce’s abilities have significantly declined, and he now requires full-time assistance. “It’s hard to know if he’s aware of what’s happening,” she said in an emotional interview, reflecting the heartbreaking reality of how FTD robs people not just of physical abilities, but also of self-awareness.
FTD is a rare, degenerative brain disorder that affects the frontal and temporal lobes, the regions responsible for personality, behavior, and language. It is different from Alzheimer’s and often appears earlier, typically between ages 45 and 65. Bruce’s earliest symptoms included aphasia, or language loss—a warning sign of the underlying FTD.
As the disease progresses, it can lead to severe behavioral changes, emotional withdrawal, difficulty with speaking or understanding language, and eventually, loss of mobility. There is no cure, and treatment focuses only on managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life for as long as possible.
Despite the devastating news, Bruce’s family has remained deeply united. Emma Heming Willis, his ex-wife Demi Moore, and his five daughters—Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn—have all played roles in his care and in raising public awareness.
In 2023, the family issued a public statement revealing Bruce’s diagnosis through The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD):
“Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others… we know in our hearts that—if he could today—he would want to respond by bringing global attention and connection with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease.”
Since then, the family has embraced transparency about his journey—not for sympathy, but to help others feel less alone. Emma has especially stepped forward as an advocate. She refers to herself as a “care-partner” rather than caregiver, emphasizing mutual respect and dignity.
Bruce’s daughters have also spoken out. In a heartfelt appearance, Tallulah Willis said, “I see love when I’m with him,” despite how much the disease has changed her father. She emphasized the importance of being emotionally present—meeting him where he is, even if he no longer communicates in conventional ways.
On his 70th birthday, the family shared rare photos and called Bruce’s condition “tough, but full of love.” Rumer Willis wrote, “Even in silence, his presence fills a room. We’re here for him, always.”
FTD has no known treatment to stop or reverse its course. For Bruce, that means an increasing reliance on professional care as his condition continues to worsen.
While the future is uncertain, the Willises have made one thing clear: Bruce is still surrounded by love. And through their advocacy, they hope to spark research, awareness, and compassion for the many other families quietly battling the same fight.