Early Diagnosis & Retirement
Bruce Willis was first diagnosed with aphasia in 2022, which affects language abilities. In 2023, his condition was further specified as frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a degenerative brain disorder impacting personality, behavior, and language. He officially stepped away from acting following these developments.
Current Health & Communication Decline
According to his wife, Emma Heming Willis, Bruce remains physically mobile, but his ability to speak and communicate is slipping. She shared that “the language is going” and they’ve had to find new ways to connect. Some reports suggest he now struggles with reading and walking, though these are less confirmed.
Despite these challenges, Emma describes fleeting glimpses of his old self — a hearty laugh, a twinkle in his eye — moments that the family cherishes deeply.
Care, Living Arrangements & Family Tensions
In 2025, the family made the difficult decision to move Bruce into a one-story home under 24/7 professional care, located separately from Emma and their two younger daughters. Emma explained that this setup was chosen for safety and the emotional well-being of the children.
However, financial stress is growing behind the scenes. Reports suggest a potential dispute over Bruce’s $250 million real estate estate, with tension between Emma and his daughters from a previous marriage.
Advocacy, Awareness & Legacy
Emma Heming Willis has become outspoken about the caregiver journey. She recently published a memoir, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path, tackling public criticism and calling for greater empathy and support.
At the same time, Bruce’s story has inspired advocacy: he and Emma backed a couple recently diagnosed with FTD, aiming to build public understanding and help families facing similar paths.
Though his career has ended, Bruce Willis’ legacy—both on screen and in the fight to humanize dementia—remains active.
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