Iconic Die Hard actor Bruce Willis’s health battle has taken a heartbreaking turn. His wife, Emma Heming Willis, has revealed that the beloved Die Hard star has been moved out of their family home as his frontotemporal dementia (FTD) continues to gradually impairs behavior and language, and worsens over time
Calling it the “hardest decision” she’s ever had to make, Emma says the move was necessary to protect their young daughters’ well-being and ensure Bruce receives the full-time care he now needs.
At 47, Heming Willis emphasized that Bruce would have wanted their daughters’ lives to remain as stable and unaffected as possible, despite the challenges brought on by his illness.
Speaking candidly in the ABC special “Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey” with Diane Sawyer, Heming Willis explained that the choice was made out of love and respect for both Bruce and their two daughters.
During the emotional interview, Heming Willis shared what she called the “hardest decision” she has had to make as his condition worsens.
The actor’s wife said that while he is in “great health” physically, his brain is “failing him.”
“Bruce is still very mobile,” she said. “Bruce is in really great health overall, you know. It’s just his brain that is failing him.”
“The language is going, and, you know, we’ve learned to adapt,” she continued. “And we have a way of communicating with him, which is just a … different way.”
Heming Willis got emotional as she opened up about seeing glimpses of her husband and his true personality come through despite his condition.
“Not days, but we get moments. It’s his laugh, right? He has such a hearty laugh. And sometimes you’ll see that twinkle in his eye, or that smirk. I just get transported,” Heming Willis said, getting emotional. “And it’s just hard to see, because as quickly as those moments appear, then it goes.”
The actor and his wife have two daughters together, 13-year-old Mabel and 11-year-old Evelyn. Heming Willis explained that while the decision was difficult, it’s what her husband would want.
“Bruce would want that for our daughters,” she told Sawyer. “He would want them to be in a home that was more tailored to their needs, not his needs.”
The actor now lives in a one-storey home equipped with a full-time care team to manage his increasingly complex and intensive needs. Emma Heming, 47, has remained deeply involved in his daily life, working hard to ensure a sense of continuity and connection for their family.
According to her, she has tried to take her daughters to visit him “a lot.”
“When we go over, either we’re outside, or we’re watching a movie,” she explained.
“It’s just really about being able to be there, and connect with Bruce.”
“It is a house that is filled with love, and warmth, and care, and laughter. And it’s been beautiful to see that, to see how many of Bruce’s friends continue to show up for him, and they bring in life, and fun.”
Emma Heming has channeled her journey into a new book, titled:
“The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path.”
Despite the distance, the couple’s bond remains strong, and Bruce continues to be surrounded by a loving network of family and friends.
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Willis has also maintained a close relationship with his ex-wife, Demi Moore, with whom he shares three daughters: Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah. The extended family has stood united throughout his diagnosis and care.
Earlier this year, Rumer Willis, 37, offered a deeply emotional reflection on how her father’s illness has changed their relationship, especially the loss of his ability to hold conversations.
“Today is hard, I feel a deep ache in my chest to talk to you and tell you everything I’m doing and what’s going on in my life. To hug you and ask you about life and your stories and struggles and successes,” she wrote in a Father’s Day post.
“I wish I asked you more questions while you could still tell me about it all.”
The family has described frontotemporal dementia as a “cruel disease” with no known cure. However, through continued love, presence, and care, they are navigating the journey together—redefining what connection, family, and support look like in the face of decline.
Back in February of 2023, Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
During an interview alongside Heming Willis shortly after the actor’s diagnosis, Susan Dickson, CEO of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, gave some insight into the disease.
According to Dickson, the disease is often misdiagnosed, with the symptoms mirroring depression, bipolar disorder, or even Parkinson’s and ALS. Those impacted by the disease can lose language and executive functions, and have trouble moving and speaking.
She also said that it was difficult to even know whether or not Willis himself has been aware of his cognitive decline.
“One of the things that the frontal lobe controls is self insight,” Dickson said. “So we really don’t know. Some people, the first thing they lose is any understanding that they have changed. And other people retain that for a long time.”