Maybe it's because it hits an action film icon like him. Maybe because he's only 67. Or simply because Bruce Willis is held in high esteem everywhere. In any case, the news of his dementia caused horror for many.
Hollywood stars, companions and fans have reacted in dismay to the latest news about Bruce Willis' health condition. The actor's wife, Emma Heming-Willis, his ex-wife Demi Moore and his daughters announced on social media that the 67-year-old is now suffering from a special form of dementia.
"Your father is such a bloody legend," wrote "Breaking Bad" actor Aaron Paul under a corresponding Instagram post by Rumer Willis, 34-year-old daughter of the action film icon. "I hug you and your wonderful family."
Model Ireland Baldwin, daughter of Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger, said she sends "all my love" to Rumer and her family. Acting stars Alyssa Milano and Wilmer Valderrama also expressed their condolences.
Colleagues like Selma Blair, Michelle Pfeiffer or Melanie Griffith left heart emojis under Demi Moore's post. "Thank you for sharing this with us. Sending love to Bruce and all the families," Rita Wilson added. "Sending you love and strength to get through this together," wrote model Helena Christensen on a post by Tallulah Willis. The 29-year-old is also a daughter of Bruce Willis.
As early as March last year, Willis' family made it public that he suffers from aphasia - a speech disorder that can be the result of a stroke. He has now been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, also known as FDT. It causes nerve cells in the forehead and temples of the brain to die off.
According to the family, the actor's health had recently deteriorated. The "more precise diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia" is "painful", but at the same time it is "a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis," says the joint statement. "Today there is no treatment for this disease, a fact that we hope may change in the years to come," the family said. She also published a photo showing a happy looking Bruce Willis on a beach.
