Bruce Willis, the beloved 69-year-old star of “Die Hard,” has been diagnosed with ‘untreatable’ frontotemporal dementia and has largely stayed out of the public eye since his diagnosis.
However, his family recently shared a touching video on social media that has sparked widespread conversation online.
In the video, Willis is surrounded by his ex-wife Demi Moore, his current wife Emma, and his daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah as they sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to him.
The video has touched many, with some fans expressing how moved they were by the poignant moment. Yet, it has also raised concerns among others about Willis’ health.
One fan expressed confusion and concern, asking, “What happened there?”
Another commented on the emotional impact, saying, “This just breaks my heart.”
A third fan reflected on the broader implications of seeing a respected figure like Willis in decline: “It’s always difficult to see the physical decline of a person who was held in high esteem however the truth is no matter how rich and famous someone might be life is fleeting. Just serves as a reminder to treat each day as precious and to be grateful for what we do have. Praying for him and his family.”
Another commenter noted the actor’s evident joy despite his health challenges: “I noticed it too. But given that we know what he is going through, this seems to be the least of his worries. Glad to see him happy and surrounded by his family.”
In 2022, Bruce Willis’ family publicly confirmed that the actor was diagnosed with dementia.
They expressed their profound appreciation for the overwhelming support they’ve received in a detailed statement while revealing that Willis suffers from a rare form of the disease.
The family’s statement highlighted a stark reality: “Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, frontotemporal dementia serves as a collective term for a variety of brain disorders primarily affecting the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes.
This condition typically manifests between the ages of 40 and 65, though it can also arise later.
Symptoms can vary significantly; some individuals with frontotemporal dementia may exhibit socially inappropriate behaviors, act impulsively, or show emotional indifference. Others might experience a decline in their language abilities.
The progression of frontotemporal dementia is usually slow but inevitable, worsening over time.
Recently, a video from Willis’ 68th birthday celebration last year gained attention.
In the clip, the actor, known for his roles in “Die Hard” and “Pulp Fiction,” is seen in high spirits, actively participating as his family sings ‘Happy Birthday.’
His ex-wife, Demi Moore, who shared the video, included a touching caption: “Happy birthday, BW! So glad we could celebrate with you today.”
“Love you and love our family. Thank you to everyone for the love and warm wishes — we all feel them.”
The video, showing Willis smiling, talking, making hand gestures, and even singing some words, resonated deeply with fans, further highlighting the family’s strong bond and support during this challenging time.
Notably, many people have pointed out in the comments that Willis seems to be missing a tooth.
One viewer questioned, “Why is nobody wondering what happened to the front tooth of sir Bruce Willis?” while another simply stated, “Bruce Willis is missing a tooth.”
Yet another person inquired, “What happened to his tooth?”
Amid these observations, several commenters expressed disapproval towards the focus on his dental appearance.
An outraged fan responded, “He’s 68 years old and going through dementia. What is he supposed to look like?”
Another supported this sentiment with a succinct, “Get over it!”
Dementia UK sheds light on why dental issues might be more prevalent in individuals with dementia.
According to the charity, those with dementia may struggle with maintaining oral hygiene routines or may not be able to communicate effectively about having a toothache, leading to untreated dental problems.
The organization also notes that regular dental care providers might not be fully equipped to handle the specific needs of dementia patients.
This could be due to difficulties in gaining consent for treatment, communicating pain, managing distress during dental procedures, or requiring additional support to maintain oral health.
Rumer Willis, Bruce Willis’ daughter, recently provided an update on her father’s health to his fans.
Through an Instagram post, she shared that her father is doing well and conveyed her deep affection for him.
Emma Heming Willis, Bruce’s wife, has also voiced her concerns regarding the public perception shaped by the media.
She expressed frustration over misleading headlines that paint a grim picture of Bruce’s life, stating that such narratives fail to capture the full spectrum of emotions and experiences he continues to enjoy.
Emma clarified that Bruce still experiences “love, connection, joy, and happiness,” despite the challenges and grief they face.
Highlighting the importance of accurate and empathetic journalism, Heming Willis called for media reports to reflect the positive aspects of their lives, emphasizing that the family remains committed to focusing on positivity and maintaining strong connections amidst Bruce’s health struggles.
