Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming Willis has opened up about the actor’s ongoing health battle with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), offering a candid glimpse into how the family is coping.
Living With Dementia
In a recent appearance on the Conversations With Cam podcast, Heming Willis revealed that the Die Hard star is unaware of his diagnosis. She explained that Willis is living with anosognosia, a neurological condition common in dementia patients that prevents the brain from recognizing the illness.
“There is this term, this neurological condition, that comes with FTD and other types of dementia as well, called anosognosia, where your brain can’t identify what is happening to it,” she said. “Bruce never tapped in. He never connected the dots that he had this disease. I’m really happy about that. I’m really happy he doesn’t know about it.”
Still Present With Family
Despite the diagnosis, Heming Willis emphasized that her husband remains connected to his loved ones. “When someone says to me, ‘Does Bruce still know who you are?’ Yes, he does, because he doesn’t have Alzheimer’s; he has FTD,” she explained. “He has a way with connecting with me, our children, that might not be the same as you would connect with your loved one, but it’s still very beautiful and meaningful. It’s just different. You just learn how to adapt.”
Family Support
Bruce Willis and Emma Heming Willis married in 2009 and share two daughters, Mabel Ray and Evelyn Penn. The actor also has three daughters — Rumer Glenn, Scout LaRue, and Tallulah Belle — with his former wife, Demi Moore. Together, the blended family has rallied around Willis, offering support as he navigates life with dementia.
A Different Kind of Normal
Heming Willis reflected on how the family has adjusted to their new reality. “I think they think this is their normal,” she said, noting that the children have adapted to their father’s condition with resilience and love. Her comments highlight the challenges of living with dementia while also underscoring the importance of finding beauty in connection, even when communication changes.
Looking Ahead
Willis, who retired from acting in 2022 due to health concerns, remains a beloved figure in Hollywood. His family continues to share updates, raising awareness about frontotemporal dementia and offering insight into the realities of caregiving. For Heming Willis, the journey is about embracing the present. “It’s still very beautiful and meaningful,” she said, reminding fans that love and connection endure even in the face of illness.
