He’s one of the most revered actors in Hollywood, but as his health deteriorated he was determined to remain working.
Whether he’s single-handedly taking down terrorists in the Die Hard franchise or evading mobsters in Pulp Fiction, Bruce Willis can be counted on to win any screen battle.
Sure, he has sought to challenge his singlet-wearing, against-the-odds hero reputation with memorable performances in films such as Look Who’s Talking, The Sixth Sense and Death Becomes Her, but Willis will always be best known as the guy who saves the day.
That’s perhaps why the cinematic strongman’s diagnosis with frontotemporal dementia came as such a shock to his fans around the world when it was announced by his family in February 2023.
Willis, seen here at the premiere of animated hit Over the Hedge in 2006, had one of the most successful careers in Hollywood. Picture: AFP
After a career spanning 40 years – first making his mark in the TV series Moonlighting in the 1980s – the veteran actor was forced to retreat from the spotlight in March 2022 due to his deteriorating health.
This difficult and private battle will be detailed in his wife Emma Heming Willis’s upcoming memoir The Unexpected Journey, due to be released in September.
Before making his condition public, Willis had found ways to soldier on with his acting, having directors scale down his dialogue and getting a trusted friend to feed him his lines through an earpiece on films such as Assassin and the Detective Knight series.
Willis’s deterioration wasn’t immediately obvious to anyone on-screen or off. Burdened with a crippling stutter as a child, Willis always had a slow speech pattern – so his inner circle wasn’t overly concerned when he began stumbling over his words a little more than usual.
Far from seeing the stutter as a hindrance when embarking on his career, Willis explained to TV host Michael Parkinson that his speech impediment had put him on the path to stardom.
“It’s how I got my sense of humour, because I realised, yeah I stutter, but I could make people laugh by doing stupid stuff,” he shared on Parkinson’s TV show.
“I also learned that when I got on stage, I magically stopped stuttering. You can still hear a little bit of it in my voice. You’ll still hear that little pause in my voice while I catch myself and think about what I want to say next.”
Now, it’s Heming Willis who will get the last word on his behalf, explaining that she’s written about her 70-year-old husband’s decline to help others headed on the same journey.
“I really wrote the book that I wish someone had handed me the day we got our diagnosis with no hope, no direction … not much,” Heming Willis shared on Instagram, choking back tears.
“Today life looks different for me and our family because I was able to put support into place.”
After the death of 95-year-old screen legend Gene Hackman and his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, in February this year, Heming Willis urged her social media followers to see the tragedy as “a teaching moment” about the toll of caring for people with dementia.
Willis in scene from film Hostage on Tubi. Picture: Supplied
Like Heming Willis, who turns 47 this month, 65-year-old Arakawa had been caring for her much older Hollywood star husband as he was ravaged by Alzheimer’s disease. The double Oscar-winner died after Arakawa suddenly passed away, leaving Hackman alone in their home and unable to fend for himself.
“Caregivers need care too,” Heming Willis said in her post. “They are vital. And it’s so important that we show up for them so that they can continue to show up for their person.” Willis certainly has a village of support around him, including his ex-wife Demi Moore and their three adult daughters, Rumer, 36, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 31. Oscar-nominee Moore has remained close to her ex since they finalised their divorce 25 years ago, even bunkering down with him and their daughters during the pandemic. The women are also regular fixtures at important milestones for Heming Willis’s two daughters with Willis, Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11. In an interview with CNN, Moore admitted that watching her ex’s decline has been difficult for all of them.
Willis alongside Megan Fox in one of his last ever om-screen appearances. Picture: Supplied.
“But there is also great beauty and gifts that can come out of it,” she added. “It’s so important for anyone dealing with it to meet them where they are at.”
Celebrate Willis’s remarkable career by watching these three films now streaming on Tubi. The Player: Having joked that he was “tired of running down the street with a gun in my hand” on Parkinson, Willis poked fun at his action-man persona with a cameo as himself in this black comedy about Hollywood directed by Robert Altman.
Hostage: Willis teams up with his then teenage daughter Rumer in this film about a traumatised police hostage negotiator, who is forced back into action when his own family is kidnapped.
Midnight In The Switchgrass: Based on the true story of Texas’s most dangerous serial killer, Willis and Megan Fox play FBI agents determined to hunt him down.
‘Insane’ chore young Bruce Willis had on SNL set before big break
The Hollywood heavyweight had a very random behind-the-scenes role on the iconic program before his career took off, it’s been revealed.
Bill Murray is fondly remembering Bruce Willis’ humble beginnings.
The Saturday Night Live legend appeared on comedian Andy Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live talk show on Monday where he recalled the Die Hard star working behind the scenes on the NBC sketch comedy series before getting his break in Hollywood.
“Bruce Willis was a page at NBC when I was on Saturday Night Live. This sounds like insane s**t, [but] his job was to come and go to the dressing rooms and refill the M&Ms and pretzels in the actors’ rooms,” Murray explained, reports Page Six.
According to Murray, the experience on SNL left a lasting impression on Willis long after leaving the NBCUniversal page program, which offered development opportunities to young talent starting off in their careers.
“I remember when I met him after he was already a successful guy, he said you and Gilda [Radner] were nice to me,” the Ghostbusters star told host Cohen and Naomi Watts on Monday’s episode.
Willis had a humble start in the industry before finding fame. Picture: Mike Marsland/ Mike Marsland/WireImage
Murray shared the little-known fact in a new interview. Picture: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM
Willis would go on to host SNL in 1989 and 2013.
Meanwhile, Murray, 74, and Willis, 70, eventually starred together on the 2012 film Moonrise Kingdom.
“Moonrise Kingdom was a really beautiful, lovely film. And I got to work with and have a wonderful time with [him],” the comedian gushed, appearing visibly emotional.
“Bruce Willis is a good guy, a good f**king guy. He was a good friend.”
Murray’s kind words for Willis came nearly two weeks after the Sixth Sense star celebrated his 70th birthday on March 19.
The A-lister’s eldest daughter, Rumer Willis, shared on update on his wellbeing following his diagnoses with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, which can affect speech and behaviour. Bruce retired from acting in 2022 amid his health battles.
“Please wish my papa a big, happy birthday,” she said one day before the milestone occasion, adding that he was “doing great”.
Willis is now battling dementia and other health issues. Picture: Instagram
Bruce’s daughter Talluleh Willis also celebrated her dad with a heartfelt message shared on Instagram.
“Happy 70th to my favourite friend! you are a light that can never be dimmed! I love you so proud to be your baby Tallulah Belle Bruce Willis,” she wrote.
The Emmy winner shares three daughters — Rumer, Talluleh and Scout Willis — with his ex-wife, Demi Moore, whom he was married to from 1987 to 2000.
He and his current wife, Emma Heming, also share two daughters: Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10.
The model marked their 16th wedding anniversary on March 21, writing via Instagram, “We’ve shared monumental highs and devastating lows, and through it all, we’ve built something timeless.
“I’m so deeply grateful for every chapter I’ve had with him and all the ones we’ll continue to write, in our language of unconditional love.”
This article originally appeared in Page Six and was reproduced with permission.
The actress shares an emotional update on Bruce Willis’ condition, calling it a journey of “loss, love, and unexpected beauty.”
April 27, 2025: Demi Moore has broken her silence about Bruce Willis’ ongoing battle with dementia, offering a rare and heartfelt update.
Speaking to Christiane Amanpour during a CNN interview promoting her film The Substance, Demi Moore reflected candidly on her ex-husband’s health journey. Moore, 62, acknowledged that while Bruce is currently in a “very stable place,” the road has been emotionally challenging.
“It’s not what I would wish on anyone,” Moore said. “There is great loss, but there is also great beauty and gifts that can come from it. Meeting him where he is — that’s where the love and the joy reside.”
Bruce Willis, 69, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2023, forcing him to retire from acting. His family, including Demi, their daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah, and his wife Emma Heming Willis, have been vocal about navigating this painful chapter together.
At the time of his diagnosis, Willis’ family shared a joint statement, expressing gratitude for the public’s continued support:
“This is a really challenging time for our family… We are moving through this as a strong family unit,” they said, adding Bruce’s enduring mantra: “Live it up.”
Moore and Willis were married from 1987 to 2000 and, despite a rocky divorce, built a strong friendship over the years. It’s clear that even after nearly 25 years apart, Demi still holds deep affection for the father of her children.
“Given the givens,” she emphasized, “it’s about finding moments of love, even amid the hardship.”
As Bruce continues his private battle, the outpouring of love from his family and fans remains unwavering.
Bruce Willis’ wife’s initial reaction to actor’s dementia diagnosis
‘Die Hard’ actor’s frontotemporal dementia diagnosis was announced in March 2022
Bruce Willis‘ wife, Emma Heming Willis, is reflecting on the moment that changed everything for her family.
As she aimed to shed a light on the Hollywood actor’s critical health condition, she posted an emotional photo of the couple as she unveiled the cover of her new book.
Emma shared her initial reaction after she learned of her husband’s devastating dementia diagnosis — a moment that would go on to shape the next chapter of her life.
“Die Hard” star Bruce Willis’ wife, Emma Heming Willis, shared her initial “fear” when she first discovered her husband’s devastating dementia diagnosis. (James Devaney/GC Images)
“Born from grief, shaped by love, and guided by purpose, this is the book I needed back when Bruce was first diagnosed and I was frozen with fear and uncertainty,” she penned on Instagram about her new project, “The Unexpected Journey.”
“This is the book I trust will help the next caregiver. It is filled with support, insight, and the hope needed to navigate this journey.”
Bruce Willis’s wife aimed to shed light on the Hollywood actor’s critical health condition, as she unveiled the photo cover of her new book. (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images)
Emma, 46, shared a sweet black-and-white photograph of her and Bruce on the book cover, as she longingly looked at her husband with all smiles.
“I wrote the book I wish someone had placed in my hands the day we got the diagnosis,” her second photo on Instagram read.
“This book is for all of us finding our way through the unknown with love, grit, and courage. You are not alone.”
In March 2022, it was announced that Willis would be “stepping away” from his acting career due to an aphasia diagnosis. It was later announced that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
The model previously highlighted the hard work of caregivers following the death of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman.
Emma Heming Willis previously highlighted the hard work of caregivers following the death of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa Hackman. (Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Last month, in a video clip on Instagram, Emma began, “So this is not something I would normally comment on, but I do really believe that there is some learning in this story in regards to the tragic passing of Mr. and Mrs. Hackman.”
She continued, “It’s just made me think of this broader story, and that is that caregivers need care, too. And that they are vital, and that it is so important that we show up for them so that they can continue to show up for their person.”
The Hackmans were found dead in their New Mexico home on Feb 26. Authorities later confirmed that Betsy had died due to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome on or around Feb 11.
Hackman died due to hypertensive atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer’s disease as a significant contributing factor.
The Willis family have shared the challenges they’ve faced during the actor’s dementia battle. (Stefanie Keenan)
Meanwhile, the Willis family have shared the challenges they’ve faced during the actor’s dementia battle.
In March, Emma shared a heartfelt tribute to the man she calls the love of her life.
“Today marks 16 years with the love of a lifetime. We’ve shared monumental highs and devastating lows, and through it all, we’ve built something timeless,” she wrote on Instagram with a candid photo of the two, as the two embraced each other tightly.
In March, Emma shared a heartfelt tribute to the man she calls the love of her life, as they celebrated 16 years together. (Emma Heming Willis/Instagram)
“I’m so deeply grateful for every chapter I’ve had with him—and all the ones we’ll continue to write, in our language of unconditional love,” Emma wrote.
In her Instagram story at the time, the model shared a black-and-white photo of the couple holding hands, with her wedding rings on display and the number 321 tattooed on what appeared to be Bruce’s finger.
Bruce shares three daughters with his ex-wife Demi Moore: Rumer, Scout and Tallulah.
After their divorce, Bruce married Emma in 2009 in Turks and Caicos. They married again six days later in Beverly Hills. The couple welcomed daughter Mabel in 2012 and daughter Evelyn in 2014.
Demi Moore Celebrates Bruce Willis’ 70th Birthday with Heartfelt Message and Rare New Photos
Moore’s post included rare family photos of Willis, who retired from acting in 2022
Demi Moore is celebrating Bruce Willis’ milestone birthday!
Moore celebrated the Die Hard star’s 70th birthday on Wednesday, March 19, with a sweet Instagram carousel showing off photos of Bruce with his family.
“Happy birthday, BW! We love you ♥️,” she simply captioned the Instagram post.
Moore, 62, and Bruce divorced in 2000 after 13 years of marriage. The former couple share three daughters: Rumer, 36, Scout, 33, and Tallulah, 31. Bruce married wife Emma Heming Willis in 2009, and they share daughters Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10.
He retired from acting after he received an aphasia diagnosis in 2022. He was later diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023.
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Moore’s Instagram post included various photos of Bruce with his three older daughters and his granddaughter, Louetta Isley Thomas Willis, 23 months. Louetta is the daughter of Rumer and her boyfriend, Derek Richard Thomas.
Moore’s post began with a silly image of Moore, Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah beside Bruce as they smiled wide and cuddled together on the couch. The Substance actress then included a solo image of her and Bruce embracing one another and smiling for the camera.
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Another photo included Moore holding Louetta in Bruce’s lap as he gave her a kiss. Her mother, Rumer, stood beside them and mimicked the kissing face as she kept her hand on her father’s back.
Another photo includes Moore and Bruce’s youngest daughter, Tallulah, sitting on her dad’s lap and lovingly hugging him.
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Moore then included a photo of Scout supporting Bruce as he rests on a treatment table.
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The Ghost star capped off the Instagram carousel with an adorable snapshot of Bruce holding Louetta in his arms.
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The Oscar-nominated actress also reposted the post to her Instagram Stories and Rumer’s Instagram Reel of her parents goofing around with each other.
Rumer shared an undated video of Moore dancing with Bruce, and wrote: “To the King…I love you Daddio.” Adding, “Happy 70th Birthday papa.”
Scout also paid tribute to her father and shared a carousel of photos featuring Bruce and a video of him kissing her on the cheek.
“Happy birthday to the Greatest of all time. 🐐,” Scout wrote. “Every day I thank the Gods that 50% of my DNA is from him. The music I make, the magic I create, and the magnetic mischief I incite, that’s my father’s legacy alive in the world.”
Tallulah posted an Instagram of her father in the 1988 action classic Die Hard. “happy 70th to my favorite friend! you are a light that can never be dimmed!” she wrote in a caption to her post. “I love you so proud to be your baby Tallulah Belle Bruce Willis 🐟🐠”
Emma, 46, also celebrated her husband’s birthday with a touching Instagram tribute.
“It’s Bruce’s birthday, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that there’s no greater fan than a Bruce fan. So flood him with all the love today—he will feel it, I swear he will,” she wrote. “You are one powerful bunch. I love how you rally for him, and I’m so grateful that he has you ✨.”
“This is So Heartwarming,” Bruce Willis’ First Public Outing Since Dementia News Sparks Reactions / Now I’ve Seen Everything
Bruce Willis has been battling a serious illness for several years, with his family regularly sharing updates about his condition. While previous reports suggested his health was deteriorating, a recent video posted by his wife, Emma Heming Willis, has given fans a glimmer of hope.
Life with frontotemporal dementia.
Since Bruce Willis’s diagnosis became known to the world in 2023, his family has periodically shared updates about his health and posted recent photos of the actor. These pictures were taken in the summer of 2024, when the Die Hard star’s relatives sadly reported that his condition was deteriorating.
However, in 2025, Emma Heming Willis posted a video where her husband was interacting with people and appeared quite lively.
Fans were delighted to interact with Bruce Willis in public.
The Die Hard icon was spotted in public earlier in January 2025, as he took the opportunity to thank first responders as wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles. On January 16, Emma shared a black-and-white video on Instagram that showed a smiling Willis shaking hands with Los Angeles police officers.
Willis sported a New York Yankees cap and a jacket worn over a jumper and jeans, as he posed for a photo and looked happy to be out in the sun. The video played the equally iconic Led Zeppelin song Going to California in the background, and Emma mentioned in the caption that the video was taken on Wednesday, January 15th.
The 46-year-old wrote, “Spotting a first responder, Bruce never missed a chance to show his gratitude with a heartfelt handshake and a ’thank you for your service’. Yesterday was no different ❤️🤍💙.”
The officers in questions looked absolutely delighted, and even the LAPD community account was quick to respond to Emma and Bruce, as they wrote, “Thank you for recognizing our wonderful officers. It was truly an honor to meet the Willis family. 💙🙏”
“This makes my heart so full.” — Tallulah Willis
Willis’ daughter Tallulah (with ex-wife Demi Moore) wrote, “This makes my heart so freaking full.” This comment in itself prompted a reply from a fan, “Your dad is just pure class personified. Stand up, genuine human being.❤️❤️❤️”
Filmmaker Katie Prentiss dropped a comment, “He really is an amazing human — nothing can take that from him.” Another fan felt this was the best news of this year yet, as they wrote, “Thank you, Emma — this video and post are my highlight thus far for 2025! I know we are only 16 days in, but this is going to stay with me for a long, long time.”
Another Die Hard fan wrote, “This is so heartwarming. The world needs more people like Bruce and moments like this- genuine care. ❤️”
Many go teary over Die Hard icon’s beautiful gesture.
One Instagram user, delving in their personal experience, wrote, “This brought tears to my eyes! ❤️ My dad (who was a retired police officer and who also suffered from FTD) would do the same thing. Even as things progressed, his eyes would light up with familiarity and recognition whenever he saw a person in uniform. Thank you for sharing!”
More strong sentiments flowed in, “How wonderful, how selfless Bruce is for going to thank the first responders, in spite of his language difficulties. I think he’s an amazing person to be thinking of others and so brave, [given] he chances of having a negative encounter with the press, as he’s been out of public sight. It’s brave of you, too.
It made my day to see this picture. Bless the first responders, those that have been affected by the fires and bless you, your family and your husband. ♥️Thank you for all of your work with your advocacy.”
Fans also remarked, “I’m so glad he still has that smile” and commented, “Absolutely nobody will ever be as cool as Bruce Willis.”
We echo the same sentiments. Yippee-Ki-Yay Mr. Willis!
Diego Corredor/Associated Press/East News
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