Emma Heming Willis is navigating her role in Bruce Willis’ health journey.
After the Die Hard star was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), his wife of 16 years shared insight into how their relationship has “shifted.”
“Early on, I was very isolated,” Emma told People in an interview published Sept. 3. “I was too scared to say anything to anyone. I was in so much sadness and darkness for so long.”
Because before Bruce even received his FTD diagnosis, the couple thought he was just battling aphasia—a disorder that affects how you communicate as well as the way you write and understand spoken and written language, per the Mayo Clinic. And at the time, Emma had already become her husband’s main caregiver.
“I think for most [people], by the time you get to a diagnosis, you are already in that role,” she explained. “FTD doesn’t scream, it whispers.”
As time went on, the 47-year-old slowly started to realize that Bruce’s condition was worsening by the day.
“It’s very gray to know where Bruce stopped and where his disease kicked in,” Emma admitted. “I started noticing his stutter started to come back [and] conversations weren’t really aligning anymore. It was hard to put my finger on why and what was happening.”
And as soon as they received the 70-year-old’s updated diagnosis, Emma immediately felt herself beginning to soften—though the feelings of isolation never faded.
“There was relief in understanding, ‘Oh, okay, this wasn’t my husband, it was that this disease was taking parts of his brain,’” she shared. “It felt like what was happening was only happening to us.”
But eventually, Emma—who shares kids Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, with the Pulp Fiction actor—found comfort within a community of people who were experiencing similar struggles and made it her mission to increase awareness of the disease.
“I realized it would be beneficial to talk about it and raise awareness so people get to the doctor sooner, can be diagnosed sooner, get into clinical trials,” she explained. “FTD gets misdiagnosed all the time as bipolar, midlife crisis, depression. It is just not on anyone’s radar, which is why I think coming out with Bruce’s diagnosis was so important.”
“The only way I can get through this,” she added, “is to help someone else feel less alone.”
Now, she’s even found a way to allow herself to feel joy amid the hard times.
“While the grief and sadness and trauma is here all the time, I have learned it’s okay for me to also enjoy our life,” she concluded. “Bruce would want that for me and for our kids, to not wallow in the sadness of it, but also rise to it.”
For a deeper dive into the Willis family, keep reading…
Blended Family
Bruce Willis stepped out with wife Emma Hemming Willis to celebrate the release of ex Demi Moore‘s 2019 memoir Inside Out. He was joined by his three daughters with the G.I. Jane actress, Rumer Willis, Scout Willis and Tallulah Willis.
Adventure Is Out There
In 2021, Bruce and Emma went on a hike with their daughters Evelyn Willis and Mabel Willis.
Big 7-0
In March 2025, Demi posted this family photo of herself with Bruce and Tallulah. “Quality time with our BW,” she wrote in celebration of the actor’s 70th birthday. “Who was feeling the love! Keep it pouring in!”
Heap of Love
Bruce received a big cuddle from his three oldest daughters and Demi in 2025.
Daddio’s Little Girl
“Oh Daddio, to be loved by you is such a gift,” Rumer wrote in an Instagram tribute to her father in March 2024. “You are the funniest, most tender, charming, out of this world silly talented and magical papa. Looking through these photos this morning I am just filled with the deepest gratitude that we chose to spend this life together. 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.”
Tallulah’s 30th Birthday
In February 2024, Demi shared this pic of her ex-husband with the youngest of the three daughters they share together, writing, “Showering our @buuski with love today on her 30th birthday.”
“Grateful and Thankful”
In November 2023, the actor celebrated his first Thanksgiving since being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia earlier that year. His wife Emma shared this photo from Bruce’s 68th birthday party from March.
“I’m grateful and thankful to know this kind of love,” she wrote. “Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving.”
All Smiles
The actor posed with his ex-wife and their daughters Rumer and Tallulah backstage at his Comedy Central roast in 2018.
Three Generations
Bruce became a grandpa in April 2023 when Rumer welcomed a baby girl named Louetta.
Newest Addition
The entire family got together to celebrate the birth of Rumer’s baby.
Backstage Buddies
Bruce had two special vistors when he starred in Broadway’s Misery in 2016.
Broadway Bunch
The family showed up in full force to support Rumer’s 2015 Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago.
Feeling Festive
“I put my camera on a ladder, set the timer, and crossed my fingers,” Emma captioned this family Christmas photo. “Now that’s 2020 for you.”
Movie Date
Bruce took his three oldest daughters to the Over the Hedge premiere in 2006.
Sweet Kisses
The dad of five shared a sweet moment with daughter Mabel.
Giving Back
Tallulah, Scout and Rumer joined their dad at a Bruce Willis Charity Foundation in 2005.
Dancing With the Fam
The family celebrated Rumer’s Dancing With the Stars win with Val Chmerkovskiy.
Polaroid Memories
“What a privilege it is every day to be your daughter,” Rumer captioned this throwback photo. “I love you so much. You are the coolest cat in town.”
A Birthday to Remember
Emma rang in her 43rd birthday in 2021 with Bruce and their daughters, as well as Rumer and Demi.
‘Tis the Season
The family spent Christmas 2022 together.
Star Status
Bruce was joined by mom Marlene and his three oldest daughters when he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006.
Happy Haunts
The action star dressed up with Mabel and Evelyn on Halloween 2021.
Getting Silly
Tallulah jokingly captioned this photo of herself and dad Bruce making silly faces, “high drama club.”
Snow Squad
Evelyn and Mabel hit the slopes during a family ski trip.
Gang’s All Here
The family, including Demi’s then-husband Ashton Kutcher, stepped out to watch Rumer in 2008’s The House Bunny.
Disney Magic
Bruce and Emma took their kids to Walt Disney World in 2017.
Proud Parents
“First time performing in a play for these two!” Emma wrote on Instagram 2018. “Mabel played Molly and Evelyn as Sandy in an Off-off-off-off-off-off Broadway [winking emoji] production of Annie. The whole cast and production was stellar—Mom and Dad couldn’t be prouder.”
