Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Bruce Willis: Hollywood stars send love to actor after frontotemporal dementia diagnosis

‘Your pops is such a damn legend,’ Aaron Paul told ‘Die Hard’ star’s daughter

Jacob Stolworthy
Friday 17 February 2023 04:32 EST
Comments
Die Hard (1988) - trailer

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Hollywood stars are sending their love to Bruce Willis and his family after revealing more details about his condition.

On Thursday (16 February), the Die Hard star’s family provided an update, almost a year after revealing he had been diagnosed with aphasia.

They said that Willis’s condition has progressed, and he has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, which is known as FTD.

“Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce, 67, faces,” his family shared in a joint statement, adding: “While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.”

Calling it a “cruel disease”, they went on to say that “FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know”.

The family said that “as Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research”.

In reply to the statements, which were shared by Willis’s family memebrs, including wife Emma Heming Willis, daughters Rumer and Talulah and ex-wife Demi Moore, many sent their love and well wishes.

Aaron Paul replied to Willis’s daughter Rumer: “Love you so much my friend! Sending hugs to you and that beautiful family of yours. Your pops is such a damn legend.”

Busy Phillipps wrote: “Sending you love,” while Olivia Munn sent three heart emojis.

Willis’ ex-wife Demi Moore, with whom he has remained close friends, also shared a post about the actor’s diagnosis, which received a flurry of responses.

Hollywood stars send love to Bruce Willis
Hollywood stars send love to Bruce Willis (Instagram)

“Sending so much love,” Demi Lovato replied, with Michelle Pfeiffer, who starred with Willis in The Story of Us (1999), adding: “Thank you. Sending love.”

Melanie Griffith, Willis’s co-star in The Bonfire of the Vanities (1990) and Nobody’s Fool (1994), sent several heart emojis, while Rita Wilson wrote: “Thank you for sharing this with us. Sending Bruce and all the family love.”

Marlon Wayans wrote: “Love to you, him and the family. You’re an amazing human. It’s beautiful to honor him and your family the way you are. Makes my heart smile,” while Seth Green added: “Love you all. Thank you for sharing this with us. Biggest hugs!”

In March 2022, Willis’s family announced he would be “stepping away” from acting.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in