Bruce Willis’ family and friends have been navigating the challenges posed by the actor’s recent diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia. M. Night Shyamalan, the director of “The Sixth Sense,” which starred Willis, spoke about his friend’s health at a press event promoting his new movie, “Trap.” Shyamalan commented on the supportive environment surrounding Willis, acknowledging that his family is doing their best to provide care and comfort.
In March 2022, Willis retired from acting due to a diagnosis of aphasia, a condition that affects language and communication. By February 2023, the family revealed that the diagnosis had progressed to frontotemporal dementia. As Willis navigates this difficult journey, his loved ones and close collaborators reflect on his legacy and the impact of his work.
Shyamalan has known Willis for years, with the pair famously collaborating on “The Sixth Sense” in 1999. The film, which became a cultural touchstone, celebrated its 25th anniversary in August. The two also worked together on “Unbreakable” in 2000, with Willis making a cameo appearance in Shyamalan’s 2016 film “Split.”
Willis’ family has been vocal about his condition and the challenges they face. His wife, Emma Heming Willis, and daughter Tallulah Willis, among others, attended the 2024 TCM Classic Film Festival opening, where they supported one of his other notable films, “Pulp Fiction.” Heming Willis has shared her experiences and emotions on social media, emphasizing the importance of community and connection during challenging times. She highlighted the support system she has built and the value of allowing herself to express her feelings, rather than bottling them up.
The couple’s 16th anniversary was particularly poignant for Heming Willis, who admitted that anniversaries and holidays are hard but that the strength of their community has been a lifeline. They met in 2007, married in 2009, and have two children, Mabel and Evelyn. Willis also has three daughters with his former wife, Demi Moore—Tallulah, Rumer, and Scout.
