After Bruce Willis’ family announced Thursday that the actor had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, well-wishers took to social media to express their solidarity.
Willis, 67, was originally diagnosed with aphasia last March and his family said at the time he was “retiring” from his acting career as a result.
“Since we announced Bruce’s aphasia diagnosis in Spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has improved and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD),” Willis’ family said in a statement.
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Maria Shriver, the former First Lady of California, expressed her support for the actor on Twitter, writing, “My heart goes out to Bruce Willis and his family, as well as my gratitude for they shed some much-needed light on this disease .”
“When people step forward, it helps all of us. When people get diagnosed, it’s extremely difficult, but also a relief for most to get diagnosed,” she added.
My heart goes out to Bruce Willis and his family and also my gratitude for they shed some much needed light on this disease. When people step forward, it helps us all. When people get diagnosed, it’s extremely difficult, but for most it’s also a relief to get diagnosed. pic.twitter.com/macAukMe7U
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) February 16, 2023
That ’70’s Show actor Wilmer Valderrama commented, “Sending you all my love” over Willis’ daughter Rumer’s Instagram post about her father’s evolving condition.
“Breaking Bad” star Aaron Paul also expressed his love: “Sending hugs to you and your beautiful family. Your pops is such a fucking legend.”
“Communication challenges” is one of the symptoms Willis faces with FTD, the most common form of dementia in people under the age of 60 – with most FTD cases occurring between the ages of 45 and 64, according to the AFTD. The disease is probably more common than statistics suggest, as it is less well known and can take years before a formal diagnosis is made.
Willis’ ex-wife, actress Demi Moore, also took to Instagram to update her followers about Willis’ condition.
“Sending love to you all,” actress Sophia Bush commented, while actress Selma Blair, who has been very open about her battle with multiple sclerosis, also wrote that she was sending love to the family.
Sincerely, Sending love and positivity to Bruce and his family. His talent was enjoyed “around the world”! DIE HARD; SIXTH SENSE; PULP FICTION! love his work. #Pacify https://t.co/QuzAjkw9iV
— Carl Weathers (@TheCarlWeathers) February 16, 2023
“Creed” actor Carl Weathers also expressed his appreciation for Willis’s cinematic accomplishments by writing on Twitter, “You guys are truly sending love and positivity to Bruce and his family.”
“His talent was enjoyed ‘around the world’! THE HARD; SIXTH SENSES; PULP FICTION! I love his work,” he added.
FTD is a degenerative brain disorder characterized by deterioration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes, according to the Association of Frontotemporal Deterioration (AFTD).
Symptoms can include “uncharacteristic personality changes, apathy, and unexplained struggles with decision-making, speaking, or language comprehension, which are among the most common symptoms,” AFTD said.
But Willis’ loved ones still maintain a positive attitude.
“Bruce has always found joy in life — and has helped everyone he knows do the same,” the actor’s family statement concluded. “Your continued compassion, understanding and respect will allow us to help Bruce live the fullest life possible.”
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C Mandler