Celebrities have shared messages of support for Bruce Willis after his family revealed the 67-year-old Hollywood star has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
The diagnosis was shared by Willis’s wife Emma Heming, his ex-wife Demi Moore and his five daughters Emma, Demi, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn on Instagram on Thursday.
In March 2022, relatives said the Pulp Fiction star would be “stepping away” from acting following a diagnosis of aphasia, a condition affecting the brain which causes difficulty with language and speech.
The update to Willis’s diagnosis, which his family described as “cruel”, has led fellow stars to share their love on social media.
Commenting on the post shared by Willis’s eldest daughter Rumer, Breaking Bad actor Aaron Paul wrote: “Love you so much my friend! Sending hugs to you and that beautiful family of yours. Your pops is such a damn legend.”
Actress Selma Blair, who revealed in 2018 that she was suffering from multiple sclerosis, simply wrote: “Sending love”, with actress Michelle Pfeiffer and musician Demi Lovato writing “Sending love” too.
US rapper Queen Latifah wrote: “God bless you my brother we love you!!! all the best. Thank you and your family for all the entertainment!!!”
Model and daughter of Alec Baldwin Ireland Baldwin commented: “Sending you and your family all my love, always”.
While Paris Hilton wrote: “Sending love to you all” and Alyssa Milano wrote: “Sending you love.”
Willis with Demi Moore, at the premiere of GI Jane, directed by Ridley Scott
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Creed actor Carl Weathers heaped praise on Willis’s cinematic career, writing on Twitter, “Yours truly sends love and positivity to Bruce and his family.
“His talent has been enjoyed ’round the world’! DIE HARD; SIXTH SENSE; PULP FICTION! Love his work.”
Actor and comedian Marlon Wayans wrote on Demi Moore’s post: “Love to you, him and the family. You’re an amazing human. It’s beautiful to honour him and your family the way you are. Makes my heart smile.”
Former supermodel Helena Christensen wrote: “Sending you so much love, it is so wonderful you’re such a tight knit family, it makes all the difference”.
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‘A difficult diagnosis’ for Willis according to FTP organisation leader
Actress and wife of Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson wrote: “Thank you for sharing this with us. Sending Bruce and all the families love.”
Actresses Toni Collette and Molly Ringwald shared a red heart emoji, while Melanie Griffiths posted five black hearts.
CNN news anchor Jake Tapper shared his personal experience of FTP, writing on Twitter: “FTD is a profoundly cruel disease, my beloved father-in-law Tom suffered from it for years before he died. Sending all my love and prayers to their family.”
Former first lady of California Maria Shriver praised the family for bringing public attention to FTD writing, “My heart goes out to Bruce Willis and his family, and also my gratitude for shining a much-needed light on this disease.
“When people step forward it helps all of us. When people get a diagnosis it’s extremely difficult, but also for most a relief to get a diagnosis.”
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FTD is a degenerative brain disorder characterized by deterioration of the frontal and/or temporal lobes, according to the Association of Frontotemporal Deterioration (AFTD).
They list symptoms including uncharacteristic personality changes, apathy, and unexplained struggles with decision-making, speaking or language comprehension are among the most common presenting symptoms.
There are currently no treatments for FTD.
Willis’s family statement has said the star is “still maintaining a positive outlook” and continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible.”