Bruce Willis diagnosed with dementia: family

Resurfaced video has shown Bruce Willis joking about the “threats” he’s beaten in his life and career as the star’s family revealed he has been diagnosed with untreatable dementia.

US actor Bruce Willis has untreatable dementia, his family has revealed. Picture: AFP

Footage of Bruce Willis declaring that “nothing will keep him down” has resurfaced on social media, after the star’s family revealed he had been diagnosed with untreatable dementia, which led to his retirement from acting due to cognitive difficulties.

The video shows Willis speaking at his 2018 roast, joking he’s defeated everything from “terrorists to divorce lawyers to male pattern baldness”.

In the clip, Willis takes the stage after being roundly roasted by a slew of famous friends and co-stars before joking about everything from his career to his marital troubles.

Rumer Willis shared this photo of her dad, Bruce Willis, and thanked fans for "the incredible outpouring of love and support we have all received”. Picture: Instagram

“Nothing can keep me down, I’ve been attacked by terrorists, asteroids, film critics, music critics, divorce lawyers, male pattern baldness and none of it stopped me because I’m still Bruce f*****g Willis.”

Willis’ statement brought a huge cheer from the audience, with the action hero bowing.

The video has been shared widely by fans after Willis’ frontotemporal dementia (FTD) diagnosis was revealed.

“I’ve been attacked by terrorists, asteroids, film critics, music critics, divorce lawyers, male pattern baldness and none of it stopped me because I’m still Bruce Fucking Willis”

❤️#BruceWillis#Dementiapic.twitter.com/3z0iTgPZ53

— tS0u (@tS0u) February 17, 2023

The Hollywood icon withdrew from acting last year as he began his fight with the illness that caused his language abilities to deteriorate – and now his condition has “progressed” according to a joint statement from his family.

“Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia,” a statement said.

“Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis.

“Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead.

Bruce Willis in the film Armageddon.

“As Bruce’s condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research.”

The family described FTD as “a cruel disease” that can strike anyone.

The statement continued: “Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately. We know in our hearts that – if he could today – he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families.”

“Bruce has always found joy in life – and has helped everyone he knows to do the same. It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us. We have been so moved by the love you have all shared for our dear husband, father, and friend during this difficult time. Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible.”

Originally published as Bruce Willis diagnosed with dementia: family