Die Hard actor Bruce Willis dead or alive? People continue to ponder

Actor Bruce Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023 and gradually his condition has deteriorated.

Actor Bruce Willis is facing a serious health crisis, as his family revealed his current inability to speak due to a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in February 2023, following an earlier diagnosis of aphasia in 2022. The condition has progressively worsened, significantly impacting his ability to communicate.

“FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone,” the family's statement said. “For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know.” FTD’s progression varies from two to more than 20 years, with an average life expectancy of seven to 13 years after symptoms begin. Currently, there is no cure or treatment for the disease.

Willis retired from acting in 2022 due to aphasia, a condition affecting communication abilities, often resulting from a stroke, head injury, or tumor. The Mayo Clinic notes that aphasia impacts the ability to speak, write, and understand language. His former co-workers revealed to the Los Angeles Times that Willis had been struggling on set for years prior to his retirement.

The family hopes that by sharing Willis' story, they can bring more awareness to FTD and encourage research toward finding treatments. They noted, “Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately.”

Despite the challenging circumstances, Willis' family remains supportive. “We know in our hearts that – if he could today – he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease,” the statement read.

Willis now spends his time away from limelight and continues to spend his days with his family as his health continues to worsen but his family offers him the support needed so he can spend the rest of his life peacefully and with happy memories.

Willis, now 69, celebrated his birthday in March with his family. He is supported by his wife Emma and their two daughters, as well as his daughters from his previous marriage to Demi Moore.