In a rare picture, frail Hollywood star Bruce Willis is seen celebrating Thanksgiving with his family as he continues to battle dementia.
The Die Hard cast member is seen seated on a sofa, smiling at his daughter Scout, 33, while holding a plaque that reads "Best Dad Ever." His daughter, Tallulah – who recently gave an update on dad Bruce's condition – sitting at his feet, captioned the photo, "Grateful".
The Hollywood icon's family first revealed his frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive and incurable condition that has affected his speech and cognitive abilities, diagnosis in February 2023. It came shortly after the 69-year-old retired from acting due to aphasia, a condition that impairs language and communication skills.
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In recent months, Willis's wife, Emma Heming, has spoken candidly about the challenges they face as a family and the importance of openness with their two young daughters, Mabel and Evelyn.
In an interview with Town & Country magazine, Heming explained how crucial it was to receive an accurate diagnosis. "This disease is misdiagnosed, it's missed, it's misunderstood," she said. "Getting a diagnosis was key so that I could educate our children."
Heming revealed that she doesn't shield their daughters from the reality of their father's condition. "They know that Daddy's not going to get better," she explained. "If children ask questions, they're ready to know the answer."
She also shared that their therapist advised openness, and she ensures the children understand what is happening as Willis's disease progresses.
FTD is a form of dementia that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, leading to changes in personality, behaviour, and language.
Heming acknowledged the toll it takes but emphasised the importance of not allowing the disease to consume the family. "I'm not going to let FTD take our whole family down. Bruce wouldn't want that," she said, adding that she hopes to raise awareness to help others facing similar challenges.
The actor's first wife, Demi Moore, who has remained close to Willis, offered her update on his condition during the Hamptons International Film Festival in October. She described his state as "stable".
"The disease is what it is," Moore said. "But for where he's at, he is stable. When you meet them where they are, instead of holding on to what was, there is beauty and sweetness in that."
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