
Bruce Willis Thanks LA Police Officers in Rare Appearance
By Movieguide® Contributor
Bruce Willis, diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023, recently made a rare public appearance — for good reason.
“Spotting a first responder, Bruce never missed a chance to show his gratitude with a heartfelt handshake and a ‘thank you for your service,'” said Willis’ wife, Emma Heming in an Instagram video caption. “Yesterday was no different.”
The black-and-white video shows Willis shaking hands with LA police officers and talking with them. The DIE HARD actor also took photos with the policemen.
His daughter Tallulah Willis, commented, “This makes my heart so freaking full.”
Hemming and Willis celebrated 17 years of marriage on Dec. 29. Emma shared a post of the two of them from a previous vacation. She said, “17 years of us ❤️ Anniversaries 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. 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,” she continued. “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 💞”
Since Willis’ diagnosis, Hemming has dedicated much of her time to advocating for FTD research.
On Jan. 1, she shared, “FTD doesn’t get to write my family’s story — I do. Advocacy has been my lifeline, transforming grief into action. It’s my way of giving FTD the middle finger and making it clear that powerful advocates, care partners, researchers, scientists, medical professionals, and community leaders are coming for it — and I’m right there with them. I’m looking forward to seeing what 2025 has in store for us.”
Hemming is currently writing a book on caregiving. One of her key points is that it’s important that caregivers also take care of themselves. She shared in November:
My hope is that this book offers you support and insight as you find your footing on your journey as a caregiver,” she shared in November. “At its heart, it’s about reminding you to take care of yourself so you can be the best care partner for your loved one. This isn’t selfish; it’s self-preservation—something I wish I had understood and given myself the grace to do earlier on. In fact, the book shares so many things I wish I’d known sooner. I can’t wait for you to read it 💞