Bruce Willis, 69, makes rare public appearance with bodyguards as he puts on brave face during dementia battle
BRUCE Willis has made a rare public appearance over one year after he was diagnosed with dementia.
The Pulp Fiction actor, 69, was photographed during a car ride in Los Angeles, California, on Sunday, September 8, as seen in pictures obtained by The U.S. Sun.
In the photos, Bruce was seated in the passenger seat of the vehicle while accompanied by bodyguards.
The star, best known for leading the Die Hard films, was wearing a black cap and a striped, button-up T-shirt during a trip to Studio City in Los Angeles.
Bruce's most recent outing comes more than 18 months after his family announced that the Emmy winner had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
"FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone," the statement, which was posted on the of The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, read.
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HEALTH CHALLENGES
"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," the message continued.
"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," the beloved actor's family appealed.
Bruce retired from acting after four decades in the industry, after initially being diagnosed with aphasia, a cognitive disorder that impacts a person's ability to communicate.
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His eldest daughter, Rumer Willis, first confirmed the aphasia diagnosis in an Instagram statement shared on March 30, 2022.
"To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities.
"As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him," Rumer added.
Bruce shares daughters, Rumer, 36, Scout Willis, 33, and Tallulah Willis, 30, with ex-wife Demi Moore.
He is also a father to Mabel Ray Willis, 12, and Evelyn Willis, 10, with his second wife, Emma Hemming Willis.
Demi Moore/Bruce Willis Family Tree
Demi Moore and Bruce Willis were one of Hollywood's biggest couples, until they weren't. They were married and had children together, but then they split. However, the exes have still remained close to each other and even time with their current significant others. Here is the complicated family tree.
In July 1987, Bruce and Demi met at the premiere of the movie Stakeout, which starred Demi's ex-fiancee at the time, Emilio Estevez
Bruce and Demi began dating shortly after the premiere
The couple didn't wait long and got married in an impromptu Las Vegas ceremony in November 1987
It was Bruce's first marriage, but Demi was married to Freddie Moore five years prior
The actors didn't wait long to have children as they welcomed their first daughter, Rumer, in August 1988
They then had Scout in 1991 and Tallulah in 1994
About 10 years after getting married, Demi and Bruce announced they were separating in June 1998
Their divorce was finalized in 2000, but the pair remained close friends
POST SPLIT
In 2004, Demi married Ashton Kutcher in a Kabbalah ceremony in Beverly Hills. Bruce was in attendance. Demi and Ashton met at a dinner in 2003.
Bruce waited a bit longer than his ex-wife to move on. He married model, Emma Hemming in 2009. Demi and Ashton attended the wedding.
Demi and Ashton did have any children together and divorced in 2013.
Meanwhile, Bruce and Emma were thriving and welcomed their first child, Mabel Ray, in 2012
Three years later, their second daughter, Evelyn Penn was born
Bruce, Demi, and their children isolated together during the Covid-19 pandemic. Emma and their daughters were separate because Evelyn accidentally accidentally poked herself with a hypodermic needle at a park and needed medical testing
Demi dated chef Daniel Humm in 2022, but they split after a few months of dating
The family has reunited over the years to celebrate birthdays, weddings, and emotional times.
Demi was even there when Bruce was diagnosed with aphasia - a condition that causes loss of speech and can make writing and understanding language difficult - in 2022
Rumer paid tribute to Bruce on the occasion of his 69th birthday earlier this year, in an Instagram post on March 19.
RUMER'S BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE
The Once Upon a Time in Hollywood actress shared several throwback pictures of Rumer and Bruce, and captioned the post, "Oh, Daddio, to be loved by you is such a gift.
"You are the funniest, most tender, charming, out of this world silly talented and magical papa," Rumer continued.
"Looking through these photos this morning I am just filled with the deepest gratitude that we chose to spend this life together," her hearfelt message read.
"I am your first baby and man sometimes I wish I could be tiny enough to just cozy up on your chest again and laugh and cuddle you," she added.
"I love you so deep in my bones I don’t know how my muscles hold them. You are the greatest papa I could ever hope for. Thank you for your generosity, your silliness and heart," Rumer concluded.
DEMI ON BRUCE'S HEALTH
Demi, 61, gave fans a positive update on Bruce's health during an appearance on Good Morning America earlier this year.
"I think given the givens, he's doing very well," the Ghost actress told host George Stephanopoulos.
"What I'll share is what I'll say to my children, which [is that] it's important to just meet them where they're at. And not hold onto what isn't, but what is.
"Because there's great beauty, and sweetness, and loving, and joy out of that."
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Bruce and Demi were married from 1987 until 2000, and the former couple have remained close to each other in the years after their divorce.
Bruce married British model and actress Emma, now 46, in 2009, and Demi attended the wedding with her then-husband Ashton Kutcher.
