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Bruce Willis was spotted taking a rare moment of rest during an outing in California this week, just days after one of his daughters shared an emotional reflection on his health.
The “Die Hard” star, who was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2023 following an earlier aphasia diagnosis in 2022, was seen dozing in the passenger seat of a car on Wednesday, May 27, in the Studio City area of Los Angeles. Accompanied by his security team, Willis appeared peaceful with a cap pulled over his eyes and a car window slightly open for fresh air.
Willis, now 71, has been surrounded by the unwavering support of his family throughout his health challenges. His daughter Rumer Willis recently opened up about her gratitude that her young daughter, Louetta, has had the chance to spend time with her grandfather. However, she also expressed concern that her sisters’ children might not have that same opportunity.
On “The Inside Edit” podcast, Rumer shared, “I love getting to go over and see him. I’m so grateful that I have a child that got to meet him because I don’t know if my sisters will have that.”
She added, “Even though our time together is different now, I’m so grateful still that I have this time. There’s a sweetness.
He’s always been this kind of macho dude and there’s like a-fragile is not the right word-but just a tenderness that maybe being Bruce Willis might not have allowed him in a certain way.”
Bruce shares three daughters with his ex-wife Demi Moore-Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah-as well as two younger daughters, Mabel and Evelyn, with his current wife Emma Heming Willis. The blended family has rallied together to support Bruce through this difficult period. Rumer noted how everyone has come together, saying, “We don’t do it perfectly, but we’re always striving to continue to create connection and find ways to be with each other and support each other through something that is kind of unprecedented.”
Frontotemporal dementia primarily impacts areas of the brain responsible for personality, language, and behavior, distinguishing it from Alzheimer’s disease where memory loss is often the first sign. Instead, FTD typically presents with changes in personality and impulse control early on.
The Willis family first shared news of Bruce’s retirement in March 2022 after his aphasia diagnosis. A year later, in February 2023, they revealed the more specific diagnosis of FTD.
In March, on Bruce’s birthday, his wife Emma not only honored him but also announced the launch of The Emma & Bruce Willis Fund. This charitable organization focuses on raising awareness of FTD, supporting families who care for those affected, and funding early-stage research.
Emma wrote on Instagram, “This journey with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) has opened my eyes to the realities so many families face. It’s what inspired me to create The Emma & Bruce Willis Fund to raise awareness of FTD, support research, and stand beside the caregivers who carry so much every day.”
She encouraged others to contribute, saying, “If you’d like to honor Bruce today, please consider supporting the fund or another organization working in this space, or simply checking in on a caregiver-a small act of kindness that can mean so much.”