A clip featuring Bruce Willis declaring that ‘nothing will keep him down’ has resurfaced on social media, after the actor’s family revealed he’s been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
The video, features the Die Hard star, 67, speaking at his Comedy Central roast in 2018, joking he’s defeated all manner of threats from ‘terrorists to divorce lawyers to male pattern baldness’.
In the video, Bruce takes to the podium after being playfully mocked by a slew of famous friends and co-stars before alluding to his own acting roles and marital troubles.
On Thursday, Bruce’s family shared a statement revealing he’d been diagnosed with dementia, less than one year after he retired from acting due to his battle with brain disorder, aphasia.
FTD affects the lobes of the brain behind the forehead, which deal with behavior, problem-solving, planning and emotions – with symptoms including personality changes, obsessive behavior and speaking difficulties.
Defiant! A clip featuring Bruce Willis declaring that ‘nothing keeps him down’ has resurfaced after the actor’s family revealed he’s been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia
Sad news: On Thursday, Bruce’s family shared a statement revealing he’d been diagnosed with dementia, less than one year after he retired from acting due to his battle with aphasia
In the clip, Bruce says: ‘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.’
The statement sparks a huge cheer from the audience and celebrity guests, with Bruce then taking a slight bow.
The clip had been re-posted by several fans on Twitter after Bruce’s FTD diagnosis was revealed.
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.
Willis’ wife Emma Heming, ex-wife Demi Moore and five daughters shared his diagnosis in a joint statement posted on The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s website, which read: ‘Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis.
‘In the spirit of that, we wanted to give you an update about our beloved husband, father and friend since we now have a deeper understanding of what he is experiencing.
‘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 (known as FTD).
‘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.
Legendary! The video features Bruce speaking at his 2018 Comedy Central roast, joking he’s defeated all manner of threats from ‘terrorists to divorce lawyers to male pattern baldness’
Confident! After delcaring he’s ‘Bruce f*****g Willis!’ he sparks a huge cheer from the audience and celebrity guests, with Bruce then taking a slight bow
‘FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know.
‘Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. 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.
‘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.
‘Ours is just one family with a loved one who suffers from FTD, and we encourage others facing it to seek out the wealth of information and support available through AFTD (@theaftd, theaftd.org).
‘And for those of you who have been fortunate enough to not have any personal experience with FTD, we hope that you will take the time to learn about it, and support AFTD’s mission in whatever way you can.
‘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.’
The statement was signed by Emma, Demi, and his daughters Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Mabel, and Evelyn.
Willis shares Rumer, 34, Scout, 31 and Tallulah, 29, with Moore, 60 to whom he was married from 1987 to 2000. He also has two daughters, Mabel, 10, and Evelyn, eight, with his wife Emma, 44.
Scout posted on her Instagram Stories a few hours after the announcement was made: ‘Feeling emotionally tired and a bit overwhelmed, yet also in awe of the love so many people have for my papa.’
Tallulah shared her sister’s story and agreed: ‘Second this scouter, feeling the abundant love for our guy and our family.’
Rumer then shared Tallulah’s post and pitched in: ‘I third this Scouter and Buusk feeling so deeply grateful and in awe of the love for us and our sweet Daddio.’
FTD occurs when nerve cells in the lobes behind the forehead die and the pathways that connect them change.
The left temporal lobe is involved in the meaning of words and the names of objects. The right recognizes faces and familiar objects.
Bruce’s blended family issued a joint statement at the end of March announcing that he was ‘stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him.’
The statement revealed he ‘has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities.’
News: In a joint statement, Bruce’s family said the star’s condition had ‘progressed’ after he was forced to retire from acting last year when he was diagnosed with aphasia
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