Bruce Willis retired from acting in late 2021 because he had been diagnosed with aphasia, which affects a person’s ability to process and understand speech. His family rallied around him as he made the difficult decision.
After he was diagnosed, his wife, Emma Heming Willis, gave regular updates on social media and thanked fans for their ongoing support and prayers. However, in recent months, the family has retreated into privacy after he was also diagnosed with neurodegenerative disorder, frontotemporal dementia.
Recently, „Moonlighting” creator Glenn Gordon Caron has spoken up about his interactions with Willis of late. He talked about what it was like to be around the actor after he received his diagnosis.
What Did Glenn Gordon Caron Say?
Caron revealed that the actor knew who he was for the first one to three minutes of him having greeted Willis. Caron also shared that Willis, who was once an avid reader, no longer could enjoy his books.
Caron also confirmed that Willis no longer speaks but says he is „still Bruce” somehow. Caron said that he tries to go and see Willis every month or so, meaning he has witnessed how Willis’ condition has progressed.
The „Moonlighting” creator said that when he is around Willis, he knows it’s him and that he’s there, but the joy behind his personality and character has entirely left the „Die Hard” actor.
What Does Willis’ Family Say?
Recently, Willis‘ wife, Emma, also shared how they were doing amid his diagnosis. She shared that dementia was a disease that affected the whole family. Emma and Willis share two young daughters, who Emma says know precisely what is going on with their dad as they have been honest with them.
Emma also talked about how difficult it has been to find out what is going on with her husband, but also being grateful that she finally understands what is ailing him. When asked if he knew what was happening to him, Emma said it was „hard to know” if he understood it.
Willis’ wife shared that even though it has been difficult for their family, there are many beautiful things for them to celebrate, and she tries to do so because she knows it is what Willis would have wanted. When asked what she thought her daughters were learning from this experience, Emma said:
„Love, patience, resilience, so much… How to care and love.”
Emma shared a video on her Instagram talking about coping with being a primary carer for Bruce and saying she wasn’t doing well and that it was challenging to be in her position. However, she acknowledged that it was worth it for her husband.
The post came a few months after she shared an update on Willis’ health, informing fans that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and that the initial aphasia diagnosis was not all they thought. We pray for Willis and his family as they navigate this difficult time.