Bruce Willis‘ wife, Emma Heming Willis, has shared an update on the movie star amid his struggle with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD).
Emma revealed during an interview that she and the rest of her family are doing all they can to support the movie star.
Meanwhile, Bruce Willis recently received praise from a Broadway star, who recalled how generous and supportive he was during their time together on “Misery.”
During a chat with “Today” host Savannah Guthrie, Emma shared a small update about her husband and how the family has been coping with his dementia since his diagnosis.
“You know, we’re doing well,” she said, adding, “My husband is supported and loved, and we’re doing the best we can under the circumstances.”
She explained that her journey has highlighted the importance of self-care for caregivers, noting that looking after personal health is essential in order to properly support loved ones.
Emma also emphasized that there are practical, everyday steps people can take to support long-term brain health and wellbeing.
She noted, “What I’ve learned is that it’s so important to care for ourselves, and if we’re not caring for ourselves, how can we care for the people that we love in our lives? So it’s really important to prioritize our health, to prioritize our brain health.”
“There’s actually actionable things we can do today to support our brain tomorrow,” the model added.
Rumer Willis Shares Emotional Update On Her Dad’s FTD Journey
Willis, best known for “Die Hard” and “The Sixth Sense,” retired from acting in 2022 after being diagnosed with aphasia, a condition that affects communication and language skills.
His family later revealed in 2023 that his condition had progressed to frontotemporal dementia, a degenerative brain disease.
At the time, they announced that he was stepping away from his career and asked for public understanding, while also expressing hope for greater awareness and research into the condition.
More recently, Willis’ eldest daughter, Rumer, shared a deeply personal update about how the diagnosis has reshaped her family’s outlook on life, time, and gratitude.
Speaking on “The Inside Edit” podcast with stylist Maeve Reilly, Rumer said life has not been the same since her father’s diagnosis, but emphasized that she feels grateful for the moments they still share.
She also expressed appreciation that her young daughter, 3-year-old Louetta, has been able to spend time with her grandfather, noting that not all future generations may have that same opportunity.
Rumer Willis Says Bruce Willis’ FTD Has Given Him A ‘Tenderness’
As the daughter of Willis and Demi Moore, Rumer said the family has remained closely bonded throughout the journey.
Willis also shares daughters Mabel and Evelyn with his wife, Emma Heming Willis. She described the situation as deeply difficult but said the family continues to support one another.
Rumer also noted that the illness has revealed a gentler side of her father, saying that despite the changes brought on by FTD, she has noticed more “sweetness” and “tenderness” in his personality than she remembered from his earlier, more rugged public image.
Bruce Willis’ Daughter Admitted He Wasn’t Truly ‘Doing Great’
She added that she was initially unaware of how widespread FTD is until her father’s diagnosis, but since speaking out, many people have reached out to share similar experiences with loved ones affected by the disease.
In a previous Instagram Q&A, Rumer said that while her father’s condition has clearly changed him, there are still moments where his personality and “spark” remain visible.
She acknowledged the difficult reality of FTD, adding that while no one with the condition is truly “doing great,” Willis is as stable as can be expected given the circumstances.
Laurie Metcalf Reflects On Bruce Willis’s Generosity During ‘Misery’ Broadway Run
More recently, Broadway star Laurie Metcalf described Willis as “an incredibly generous man,” recalling their time working together on the 2015 Broadway adaptation of “Misery” as he continues to live with frontotemporal dementia.
Speaking on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, the 70-year-old actress reflected on her close working relationship with Willis, 71, saying he was known for regularly surprising cast and crew with gifts during the production.
Metcalf said the pair developed an easy rapport while performing in the stage version of Stephen King’s 1987 novel, with much of their time spent backstage talking about everyday life, including family and personal routines.
She also shared that Willis once recommended dining at Nobu for a family outing, a suggestion she later followed.
According to Metcalf, Willis quietly covered the cost of a dinner she shared with her son, only for her to later learn the actor had already taken care of the bill.
She added that Willis’s presence also had a major impact on the show’s success, drawing large audiences throughout its Broadway run.
“He filled every seat in that house,” she said, noting that the production consistently sold out as fans turned up to see him perform.
