Director Glenn Gordon Caron reveals that Bruce Willis is not fully verbal amidst Aphasia and Dementia.
Bruce Willis, the iconic Die Hard actor, continues to face health challenges.
His journey has taken some unexpected turns in recent years. In 2022, he received a diagnosis of aphasia, a language disorder.
Earlier this year, he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. These challenges have affected his ability to communicate.
As a result, he’s “not totally verbal” according to his friend Glenn Gordon Caron, the creator of the ’80s TV show Moonlighting, in which Willis starred alongside Cybill Shepherd.
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Unexpected Turns
Despite these difficulties, Caron shared that during the first one to three minutes of their interactions, Willis still recognizes him.
The actor, who was known for being a voracious reader, has sadly had to give up reading due to the effects of these conditions.
His language skills have faded, but he remains the Bruce Willis we know and love.
According to Caron, “it means a lot” to Willis that Moonlighting is now available for streaming online.
“I know he’s really happy that the show is going to be available for people,” he noted, “even though he can’t tell me that.”
Caron explained that the move to bring Moonlighting to streaming had been in the works for some time. He said he had the opportunity to discuss it with Willis before his condition worsened.
Willis, who retired from Hollywood last year due to his health, is cherished by those who know him for someone who “adored waking up every morning and trying to live life to its fullest.”
“So the idea that he now sees life through a screen door, if you will, makes very little sense,” he added. “He’s really an amazing guy.”
Personal Triumphs
In February of this year, Willis’ family announced that he was suffering from frontotemporal dementia.
This diagnosis followed less than a year after he ceased performing due to aphasia.
Frontotemporal dementia is a condition caused by damage to neurons in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.
It leads to changes in personality, behavior, and judgment. Cognitive abilities may deteriorate while memory remains relatively intact, as stated by the National Institute on Aging in the United States.
Bruce Willis, despite these challenging circumstances, remains a beloved figure in the hearts of many.
He is a testament to the indomitable spirit of an extraordinary individual facing adversity with courage and grace.
Banner photo Instagram @emmahemmingwillis.
