On February 16, Bruce Willis’s family released an emotional statement revealing that the beloved 68-year-old Hollywood star has now been diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) — a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that has progressed since his initial diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022.
“While painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis,” the family said. They explained that communication struggles are just one symptom of the disease, which also affects behavior, emotional processing, and mobility. There is currently no cure, though scientists are actively researching new treatments.
The family first shared in March 2022 that Bruce would be stepping away from his decades-long acting career due to health concerns.
Born in 1955, Bruce Willis rose to international fame with iconic roles in action films like Die Hard and The Fifth Element. Over his celebrated career, he earned a Golden Globe, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and two People’s Choice Awards, and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006.
Fans and fellow stars around the world are sending love and strength to Bruce and his family during this incredibly difficult chapter.