Bruce Willis At 'Glass' New York Premiere

Support Pours In For Bruce Willis & Family After Dementia Announcement

Home / News / Support Pours In For Bruce Willis & Family After Dementia Announcement

By Afouda Bamidele on February 17, 2023 at 12:00 PM PST

The love and support are pouring in for Bruce Willis and his family!

Since his family shared the heartbreaking update on his health, celebrities and fans have begun sending in their well-wishes for the 67-year-old. The Willis-Moore clan revealed that the beloved patriarch was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) almost one year after he officially retired from acting. Willis withdrew from Hollywood to focus on dealing with his initial medical diagnosis, aphasia, which caused a deterioration in his communication abilities.

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Bruce Willis Receives Tons Of Love & Support Amid Dementia Diagnosis

During his time as a screen star, Willis made many fans happy with his appearance in movies such as "Die Hard" and "Moonlighting." Thus, it was with sadness that many received the news of his retirement and the medical diagnosis that led to the decision.

In another twist, Demi Moore — his wife from 1987 to 2000 — together with his daughter Rummer Willis shared that the actor has been diagnosed with FTD, which has symptoms like personality changes, obsessive behavior, and speaking difficulties. For the announcement, the "General Hospital" actress posted a picture of a happy-looking Willis wearing a t-shirt and baggy shorts on the beach.

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For the caption, Moore began by expressing her family's "deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support, and wonderful stories" fans have shared since news of aphasia spread.

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Support Pour In For Bruce Willis & Family After Dementia Announcement
Instagram | Demi Moore
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In that same spirit, the family felt the need to update fans and followers on the "Moonrise Kingdom" actor's health since "we now have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing." Moore wrote:

"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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As expected, the news drew the attention of hundreds, with over 19k people stepping into the comment section. "Brown's Requiem" actress Selma Blair led the charge, writing, "Sending love," while Paris Hilton dropped three red heart emojis alongside sending her love to the family.

Similarly, actor Aaron Paul commented, "Love you so much my friend! ❤️ Sending hugs to you and that beautiful family of yours." Creative director Alaina Hadid implored, "Please take time to give yourself a moment of love so you have that much more energy to give," while sending the family love.

Choreographer Spencer Liff also advised the Willis-Moore clan to ensure they laughed just as much as they cried. A look at Twitter revealed the same intensity with the show of love, with CNN anchor Jake Tapper sending all his prayers and love to Willis.

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz tweeted that Bruce Willis would always be remembered as a "great actor who has done a lot of good work helping combat veterans and sick children." She then asked her followers to pray for "him and all Americans who suffer from this illness."

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Support Pour In For Bruce Willis & Family After Dementia Announcement
Instagram | Demi Moore

Sports host David Webb shared that it was heartbreaking that "a decent man who devoted his life to his craft with great cinema in multiple genres" had dementia. He subsequently wished the "Pulp Fiction" actor and his family "nothing but the best."

Arnold Schwarzenegger's ex-wife Maria Shriver also sent her condolences and highlighted the fact that the Willis-Moore family deserved support in the coming days. Meanwhile, one fan pointed out Bruce Willis' luck to have "such a great family," and another said, "Very, very sad indeed. I hope the universe is merciful."

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The 'Die Hard' Actor's Wife Celebrated Him On National Boyfriend Day

Despite the ongoing health challenge rocking their marriage, Bruce's wife, Emma Hemming Willis, has remained hopeful, basking in the euphoria of their love. The Blast noted that the model uploaded an image of herself and the Golden Globe Awards winner to mark National Boyfriend Day on her Instagram Story last October.

In the throwback pic, the 44-year-old wore a white top with a diamond bracelet and matching diamond earrings. Her wavy black hair is left to hang loosely around her face and down her shoulder.

As for the "Sixth Sense" actor, he rocked a t-shirt, accessorizing it with sunglasses and a hat. Bruce added a bright smile for the 2008 photo as his wife embraced him, planting a kiss on his cheek.

Emma playfully wrote, "when he was my bf, and we were living in sin," across the pic. The "Red 2" co-stars have been married for more than a decade since they met and have often made fans jealous of their beautiful blended family.

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