Bruce Willis, the iconic movie star known for his roles in films like "Die Hard," is currently facing a formidable challenge beyond his acting prowess.
His friend and the creator of the '80s television series "Moonlighting," Glenn Gordon Caron, recently revealed that Willis is experiencing a significant decline in his communication skills and the once vibrant "joy of life" that defined him.
According to Caron, who has been visiting Willis regularly, the actor's communication abilities have deteriorated considerably in the midst of his battle against dementia, diagnosed in early 2023. Willis, now 68, was initially diagnosed with aphasia in March 2022, a condition caused by brain damage affecting verbal and written communication. Subsequently, it was confirmed in 2023 that he is suffering from frontotemporal dementia.
Caron expressed his observations, noting that Willis, who was previously an avid reader, has now stopped reading, showcasing the severe impact of the disease's progression. Describing his visits, Caron explained, "I have the feeling that in the first three minutes he knows who I am. He's not totally verbal; he used to be a voracious reader and now he doesn't read. He no longer has all those linguistic skills."
Despite being grateful that Willis is still alive, Caron emphasized the noticeable loss of the "joy of living" that was once a defining feature of the actor. The filmmaker sadly highlighted the stark change in Willis's personality, stating, "What makes his illness so mind-blowing is that if you've ever spent time with Bruce Willis, there's no one who had more joie de vivre than him."
Caron and Willis's friendship dates back to the creation of "Moonlighting," the successful ABC series that propelled the actor to fame. Caron shared that he informed Willis about the series streaming on Hulu before his health deteriorated, adding, "I know he's very happy that the series is going to be available to people, even though he can't tell me."
Bruce Willis officially announced his departure from Hollywood in early 2022 after the aphasia diagnosis. His family initially did not disclose details about the causes. However, a year later, it was revealed that he is dealing with frontotemporal dementia, an untreatable condition characterized by severe cognitive impairment in behavior, language, and personality.
Currently under the care of his wife of 45 years, Emma Heming, and with two young daughters, Mabel and Evelyn, Willis is facing the challenges of dementia. Heming, referring to herself as his "care partner," disclosed on the Today show that dementia is challenging not only for the person diagnosed but also for the entire family. She acknowledged the profound impact it has had on their lives and highlighted the familial nature of the disease.
