Bruce Willis’s wife, Emma Heming Willis, has revealed in her upcoming book, “The Unexpected Journey,” how the actor managed to continue working amidst his battle with frontotemporal dementia. Set to be released in September, Heming Willis describes the book as a self-help guide rather than a memoir, aiming to support others facing similar challenges and their families.
Willis, renowned for his roles in iconic films like “Die Hard” and “The Sixth Sense,” announced his diagnosis in February 2023 and had withdrawn from the public eye a year earlier due to his declining health. However, she shares that he found ways to remain active in film projects such as “Assassin” and the “Detective Knight” series by adapting his working methods. Directors would reduce his dialogue, and he enlisted a trusted friend to help him with his lines through an earpiece, which allowed him to keep performing.
Notably, his condition was not immediately visible on set or screen. This is partly due to Willis’s natural slow speech pattern, which he developed from overcoming a childhood stutter. He once remarked that this challenge influenced his sense of humour and ability to entertain.
Heming Willis expressed on social media that her motivation for writing the book stemmed from her experience after the diagnosis, stating she wished for guidance during a time filled with uncertainty. She has since established support systems for her family, helping them navigate life’s changes following his diagnosis.
Willis’s contributions to cinema over the years, from his breakout role in “Moonlighting” to beloved films, emphasize his lasting impact on the industry. Through “The Unexpected Journey,” Heming Willis aims to provide hope and direction to others facing similar struggles.