Emma Heming’s 46th Birthday: Celebrating Bruce Willis Amid Dementia Diagnosis

Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming marked her 46th birthday on Thursday with an emotional post reflecting on how the dementia-stricken actor used to mark the occasion.

In February 2023, Bruce’s family revealed the actor had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) – less than one year after the 69-year-old retired from acting due to his battle with brain disorder, aphasia.

Emma shared a sweet montage of her birthday celebrations – including a snap showing her kissing her husband – as she vowed to make the most of her special occasion, as Bruce always had.

The montage also showed her having dinner with the couple’s daughters and friends, visiting a theme park and heading to the beach.

She wrote: ‘Bruce would call it my “birthday month.” So we must celebrate! I’m blessed and grateful to have family and friends (in this video and afar) who made it so special for me all month long. 

Bruce Willis ‘ wife Emma Heming marked her 46th birthday on Thursday with an emotional post reflecting on how the dementia-stricken actor used to mark the occasion

‘There’s still a few days left of June and I’m going to ride this baby out till the end!’

Bruce withdrew from acting in 2022 as he began his fight with the illness that caused his language abilities to deteriorate – and his condition later ‘progressed’ according to a joint statement from his family.

FTD affects the lobes of the brain behind the forehead, which deal with behaviour, problem-solving, planning and emotions – with symptoms including personality changes, obsessive behaviour and speaking difficulties.

The statement, from his wife Emma, ex-wife Demi and five daughters, which was posted on The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration’s website, 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.

‘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.

Emma is pictured with the couple’s daughters Mabel, 12 and Evelyn, nine

Emma was seen celebrating her special day with friends

Emma chatted with her lookalike daughter in another snap 

Emma also enjoyed a trip to a theme park with her girls

She wed Willis in 2009 – they are pictured that year 

‘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.