Bruce Willis’ daughter Tallulah explains why his family went public with his ‘aggressive’ dementia diagnosis

Willis’ family shared an update in March that his illness had progressed to frontotemporal dementia
Lisa McLoughlin 9 November 2023
The Weekender

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Tallulah Willis has shared why she and her family have decided to be transparent about her father Bruce Willis' “aggressive” dementia diagnosis.

The Whole Nine Yards star officially retired from acting last year after his family issued a statement revealing he had been diagnosed with the brain condition aphasia, which causes the patient’s language abilities to deteriorate.

They gave a further update in March when they shared the devastating news that his illness had “progressed” and he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Now 29-year-old Tallulah shared an update on the Die Hard star’s “rare” condition during Wednesday’s episode of The Drew Barrymore Show.

When asked by Barrymore why the family has decided to be open about his diagnosis, she explained: “Well, I think it’s twofold.

“On one hand, it’s who we are as a family, but also, it’s really important for us to spread awareness about FTD...

Willis appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show on Wednesday
CBS

“If we can take something that we’re struggling with as a family, and individually, to help other people, to turn it around, to make something beautiful about it, that’s really special for us.

“And part of what’s been a really beautiful way for me to heal through this is becoming like an archaeologist to my dad's stuff – his world – to his little trinkets and doo-dahs.”

In response to being asked what “state” the 68-year-old is in, Tallulah replied, “He is the same... which I think, in this regard, I’ve learned is the best thing that you can ask for.

“And what I see is love when I am with him. And it’s my dad and he loves me.”

Tallulah is the youngest daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce – who also share Rumer, 35, and Scout, 32. The former couple were married from 1987 until their divorce in 2000.

The Sixth Sense actor later tied the knot with Emma Heming in 2009, and they also share daughters Mabel, 11, and Evelyn, nine. 

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