Demi Moore marked Bruce Willis‘ 70th birthday with a touching Instagram tribute, sharing a collection of current family photos that offered a rare glimpse into Willis’ life since his retirement from acting. The images, which featured Moore and Willis posing together alongside their three daughters, provided an intimate view of the family’s bond, including some candid moments of their daughters embracing their father. These photos came at a time when Willis has remained largely out of the public eye after stepping away from the spotlight following a diagnosis of aphasia in 2022, later evolving into frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
“Happy birthday to the Greatest of all time,” Moore wrote in her heartfelt post, alongside a series of photos that showcased the family’s ongoing affection for the iconic actor. The tribute revealed the tight-knit nature of the family, despite Willis’ and Moore’s divorce more than two decades ago. Moore and Willis, who were married from 1987 to 2000, have maintained a close and supportive relationship for the sake of their children—Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah—whom they share.
In one of the posts, Rumer Willis, the couple’s oldest daughter, shared a viral video that captured a joyous moment from years ago when Moore and Willis danced together. Rumer’s caption was equally affectionate, writing, “To the King… I love you, Daddio.” The video brought fans back to a time when the family was seen together more often, reflecting a warm and loving connection that has persisted throughout the years.
Scout Willis, the middle daughter, also posted a tribute on her own Instagram, writing, “Every day I thank the Gods that 50% of my DNA is from him. The music I make, the magic I create, and the magnetic mischief I incite, that’s my father’s legacy alive in the world.” In her message, Scout acknowledged the deep impact Willis has had on her life and artistry, underscoring the sense of pride and admiration she has for her father.
Tallulah Willis, the youngest of the three, took to social media to pay tribute to her father as well, describing him in her post as “a spaceman, a hero with a badge, a sassy detective with unparalleled banter.” She added, “It’s been a privilege to witness all these different characters engraved into history because of his innate spirit and soul.” Tallulah’s message highlighted not only Willis’ iconic film roles but also his unique qualities as a person, which have left a lasting impression on those who know him.
Willis’ family, along with millions of fans, has been dealing with the actor’s health decline since the announcement of his aphasia diagnosis in March 2022. Aphasia is a condition caused by brain damage that impairs a person’s ability to communicate. At the time of the diagnosis, the family revealed that Willis’ cognitive abilities were being affected, and the actor made the decision to step away from his career—a decision that was difficult, considering his decades-long success in Hollywood.
A year after the aphasia announcement, the Willis family shared an update on his condition, revealing that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a progressive brain disorder that impacts behavior, language, and motor skills. “While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis,” the family’s statement read, acknowledging the challenges of living with an unclear diagnosis but finding some comfort in the clarity it provided. FTD is a condition that can severely alter personality and communication abilities, making daily life increasingly difficult for those who are affected.
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Despite his diagnosis and retirement from acting, Willis’ legacy continues to endure. His prolific career spanned more than four decades, starting with small, uncredited roles in films like Sidney Lumet’s The Verdict in the early 1980s. His big break came when he starred opposite Cybill Shepherd in the hit TV series Moonlighting, which ran from 1985 to 1989. But it was his role as the wisecracking, tough-as-nails cop John McClane in the 1988 action film Die Hard that truly solidified Willis as a Hollywood icon. That film, which led to a long-running franchise, became one of the most influential action movies in history, and its impact on popular culture is still felt today.
Willis’ career spanned across various genres, from action films like The Fifth Element and Armageddon to comedies like The Whole Nine Yards. His films collectively grossed more than $5 billion worldwide, cementing his place as one of the most bankable stars of his generation. In addition to his commercial success, Willis earned critical acclaim, receiving five Golden Globe nominations—winning one for his role in Moonlighting—and three Emmy nominations. He won two Emmys, one for Moonlighting and another for his memorable guest role on the sitcom Friends in 2000.
Willis’ transition into a more private life has not kept his family from showing their support and affection. Moore, who continues to have a strong relationship with Willis despite their past, revealed in a press tour for her film The Substance last fall that she sees Willis regularly. “I still see Bruce every week,” Moore shared at the time, reflecting on their enduring friendship and co-parenting relationship.
The public messages from Moore and their daughters on Willis’ birthday serve as a testament to the strength of their family bond. While Willis may not be in the public eye as much these days, the love and respect his family has for him is evident in their heartfelt tributes. As Willis continues to face the challenges of his diagnosis, his family remains by his side, providing love and support as he navigates this difficult journey.
Fans of Willis and his family are sure to continue sending their well-wishes and support as the actor’s legacy lives on through his iconic films and the enduring love of his family.