Emma Heming Willis recalls the actor’s ‘alarming and scary’ early symptoms and says his family has ‘learned to adapt’ as his brain ‘is failing’ amid ‘really great health overall’
Two years after being diagnosed with dementia, veteran actor Bruce Willis – the star of the Die Hard franchise – continues to worry fans as his wife, Emma Heming Willis, shares the latest update on his condition.
In a heartfelt interview with ABC, Emma revealed that while Bruce remains physically fit, the most alarming part is his neurological decline:
“His body is still strong, but his brain is failing him. And language… is disappearing.”
A Challenging Journey with Illness
Bruce Willis was first diagnosed with aphasia in 2022, a disorder that severely impaired his ability to communicate. Just a year later, his condition progressed and was confirmed as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a rare and incurable disease that often advances rapidly.
Emma recalled that the earliest signs appeared when Bruce became quiet, distant, and withdrawn – a stark contrast to the warm and lively man he once was. Since then, the family has had to adapt to an entirely new way of communicating.
Precious Fleeting Moments
Despite the progression of the disease, Emma shared that there are still rare, precious moments when “the real Bruce” shines through:
“It might be a loud laugh, a twinkle in his eyes, or a mischievous smile. It doesn’t happen every day, but when it does, we are so grateful.”
From Wife to Caregiver
From being his life partner, Emma has now become Bruce’s primary caregiver. She admitted the journey has been exhausting and lonely at times. Still, she decided to turn her personal struggle into motivation to help others. Emma has written a book, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, scheduled for release in September 2025, aiming to support other caregivers and raise awareness about FTD.
Love and Resilience
The Willis family, including Bruce’s daughters with Demi Moore, continues to stand by his side during this difficult period. Emma emphasized:
“Bruce is still here, just in a different way. And I know he still feels the love from all of us.”