Bruce Willis Seen in Public for First Time Since Dementia Diagnosis as He Thanks L.A. First Responders

Mar. 15, 2025

Bruce Willisis stepping out in public to thank first responders aswildfires continuethroughout Los Angeles.

On Thursday, Jan. 16, Willis' wifeEmma Heming Willisshared a black-and-white video toInstagramshowing Willis wearing a New York Yankees cap and shaking hands with a Los Angeles police officer and posing for a photo. The video was set to the Led Zeppelin song “Going to California.”

Emma, 46, wrote in her caption that the video was taken on Wednesday, Jan. 15. “Spotting a first responder, Bruce never missed a chance to show his gratitude with a heartfelt handshake and a “thank you for your service.” Yesterday was no different ❤️🤍💙,” she wrote.

“This makes my heart so freaking full,“Tallulah Wilis, Bruce’syoungest daughterwith ex-wifeDemi Moore, wrote in a comment on Emma’s post.

Emma Heming Willis/Instagram

The new Instagram video appears to be the first time theDie Hardicon, 69, has been seen out in public since 2022, when his family announced that the actor had been diagnosed with the language disorderaphasiaand would be stepping away from acting. In 2023, the Willis family shared that Bruce had received a more specific diagnosis offrontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive condition which causes thefrontal and temporal lobes of the brainto atrophy.

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“17 years of us ❤️,” Emma wrote in a caption. She additionally wrote in that post that anniversaries with Bruce “used to bring excitement — now, if I’m honest, they stir up all the feelings, leaving a heaviness in my heart and a pit in my stomach.”

Bruce Willis via Instagram on Jan. 16, 2025.Emma Heming Willis/Instagram

“I give myself 30 minutes to sit in the ‘why him, why us,’ to feel the anger and grief. Then I shake it off and return to what is. And what is… is unconditional love. I feel blessed to know it, and it’s because of him. I’d do it all over again and again in a heartbeat 💞

Emma and Bruce share two daughters:Mabel Ray Willis, 12, andEvelyn Penn Willis, 10. The actor also shares older daughtersRumer Glenn Willis, 36, andScout LaRue Willis, 33, withThe Substancestar Moore, whom he wasmarried tofrom 1987 to 2000.

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source: people.com