Bruce Willis, the legendary star of 'Die Hard' and countless other action films, continues to battle frontotemporal dementia (FTD). His wife, Emma Heming Willis, has been openly sharing insights into how the family is adapting and finding joy during the holiday season, nearly three years after his initial diagnosis.
Emma Heming Willis recently spoke at the End Well 2025 conference, offering a glimpse into their family's traditions. She emphasized the importance of adapting to new realities and creating new memories while cherishing existing traditions. "It's joyous. It's just different," she told People magazine. "Bruce loved Christmas, and we love celebrating it with him. It just looks different, so we've kind of adapted to that."
Following his retirement from acting in 2022 after an aphasia diagnosis, the family bravely disclosed Bruce's diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia in February 2023. FTD is a brain disorder resulting from the degeneration of the brain's frontal lobe.
Emma emphasized the importance of focusing on the positive aspects and finding joy amidst the challenges of dementia. "Life goes on. It just goes on. Dementia is hard, but there is still joy in it. I think it's important that we don't paint such a negative picture around dementia. We are still laughing. There is still joy. It just looks different."
One tradition the Willis family maintains is watching 'Die Hard' during the holidays. Emma playfully insists, "I think it's important to put Die Hard on because it's a Christmas movie!" Bruce himself famously declared the 1988 action hit a "Bruce Willis movie."
Bruce Willis and Emma Heming Willis have been married since 2009 and share two daughters: Mabel Ray and Evelyn Penn. Bruce also has three daughters from his previous marriage to Demi Moore: Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah.
Emma reflected on their family life, saying, "Our lives are very simple - [they] always actually [have] been. I think that just being able to be present with him, that is the joy. Me being able to be his wife with him. Those are the moments."
Finding Joy Amidst Challenges
Emma Heming Willis's openness about Bruce Willis's condition and their family's experiences offers a valuable perspective on living with dementia. Her message of adaptation, joy, and cherishing moments resonates deeply with families facing similar challenges. Her dedication to maintaining traditions and creating new memories highlights the enduring power of family and love in the face of adversity.