Bruce Willis is struggling with a serious illness. What you need to know

American actor Bruce Willis' health is deteriorating. According to media reports, he has lost the ability to move and speak independently. The cause of such severe consequences was frontotemporal dementia, which is gradually progressing. The actor had already retired a few years ago, but many people remember him from cult films. Which works became key in his career and how Bruce Willis treats Russia - in the material of Izvestia.

What is known about the actor's condition

• Bruce Willis suffers from a progressive neurodegenerative disease, frontotemporal dementia, which was officially diagnosed in 2023. The first warning signs appeared even earlier. The actor's family has not made public statements for a long time, preferring to preserve their privacy. However, in 2022, it was announced that Willis was ending his acting career for health reasons. The initial cause was aphasia. It is a disorder that affects a person's ability to speak, understand speech, read and write. Over time, it became clear that aphasia was a symptom of a more serious disease.

• Frontotemporal dementia is a rare form of dementia that primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain responsible for behavior, personality, emotions, and speech function. The disease causes irreversible changes, gradually destroying neural connections. This disease is less common than Alzheimer's disease, and is often diagnosed in people at an earlier age — usually between 45 and 65 years. The progression of the disease can be slow but inexorable. Patients lose the ability to express their thoughts clearly, may lose interest in familiar activities, lose self-control, and in later stages completely lose the ability to exist independently.

• Bruce Willis' condition continues to deteriorate. Now, according to media reports, he cannot speak or walk. His family, including ex-wife Demi Moore and current wife Emma Heming, as well as five daughters, surrounded the actor with care and attention. All the relatives are actively involved in caring for him, providing the most comfortable conditions.

• Although there is no effective treatment for frontotemporal dementia, doctors focus on supportive care aimed at slowing the progression of symptoms and improving the patient's quality of life. This may include cognitive training, specialized diets, physical exercises, as well as medications aimed at controlling behavioral symptoms. However, from a medical point of view, the disease remains incurable. The prognosis is usually unfavorable.

• Against the background of Bruce Willis' illness, his colleagues and fans around the world express their words of support and recognition for his many years of contribution to cinema. Despite the fact that he is no longer acting, his films continue to be popular, and his image remains iconic.

Key works of the actor

Bruce Willis has gained worldwide fame through a variety of film and television roles since the late 1980s. His first job, which brought him wide popularity, was the role of private investigator David Edison in the television series Moonlight Detective Agency, which aired from 1985 to 1989. This job was a turning point in his career. He won an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for it.

• The real world breakthrough came in 1988 with the release of the movie Die Hard, in which he played the role of policeman John McClain. The film was a huge success at the box office and spawned a series of sequels: Die Hard 2, Die Hard 3: Retribution, Die Hard 4.0, and Die Hard: A Good Day to Die. In addition, he starred in Quentin Tarantino's cult film Pulp Fiction, where he played boxer Butch Coolidge. Another important work was the film "12 Monkeys", a science fiction drama by Terry Gilliam.

• In 1999, Bruce Willis appeared in the movie The Sixth Sense. The role of child psychologist Malcolm Crowe has become one of the most dramatic in his career. The film became a box office hit and received six Oscar nominations. Also, a special place in Willis's filmography is occupied by works in the genre of fantasy and adventure. In 1997, he starred in Luc Besson's vivid and visually intense film The Fifth Element. In addition, many viewers remembered him for "Armageddon," in which Willis played oilman Harry Stamper, who led a mission to save the Earth. This film became one of the most commercially successful in the actor's career.

Willis also participated in such notable projects as Sin City (2005) based on Frank Miller comics, where he played the role of Detective Hartigan, and Handsome (2005), a comedy about an ex-gangster. In the 2010s, he actively starred in franchises and action films, including The Expendables.

Attitude towards Russia

The actor has visited Russia more than once and shared his impressions of a country where, in his words, "everything happens suddenly," and attempts to plan something often turn out to be in vain. He described Moscow as a place filled with sharp opposites and amazing combinations. Bruce also admitted that some foreigners are wary of the city, and, in his opinion, this is not without reason.

• Working with artists from Russia, Willis noted their professional focus and deep approach to roles. He emphasized that it was especially important for them to understand the emotional state of the character. According to the actor, in the American film industry, the Russian acting school is often mistaken for excessive expression. However, he himself stated that such a style is born due to a powerful theatrical training. Willis emphasized that there are many outstanding artists in Russia who are able to break the usual canons and at the same time achieve an impressive effect.

Bruce Willis has expressed gratitude to Russian fans several times for the warm welcome and interest in his work. During the international press tours accompanying the premieres of major projects, he repeatedly mentioned that he appreciates Russian viewers for their sincerity and passionate love of cinema.