‘He is very secluded’: Arnold Schwarzenegger hasn’t 'had a chance to talk' to close pal Bruce Willis amid dementia battle
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis are undoubtedly among the closest castmates-turned-real-life friends of showbiz. The pair not only shared screenspace in the past but also shares the Planet Hollywood restaurant franchise. However, despite their close bond, the 75-year-old ‘Terminator’ star recently revealed that he hasn't been able to speak to his ‘Expendables’ co-star amid his dementia battle.
Schwarzenegger was speaking about his new Netflix series ‘FUBAR’ when he steered the conversation toward his old buddy’s disheartening condition. “I think Bruce is very secluded, but I haven’t had a chance to talk to him yet,” the former California governor told Fox News Digital. Early in 2022, the ‘Die Hard’ star announced his retirement from acting after his family revealed that he had been diagnosed with aphasia. Later in 2023, his wife Emma Heming Willis stated that he has been given a more specific diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.
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‘A hero among his Hollywood peers’
It was previously revealed that Bruce’s family has round-the-clock support pouring in from all over Hollywood, including his co-stars like Sly Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. “Sly Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, of course, and Jason Statham and so many others are right there at the front of the line offering to do anything they can, 24/7. It's a huge comfort for Bruce and his loved ones that he'd got so much goodwill and love to count on,” a source told RadarOnline, adding, "The guy is a hero among his Hollywood peers, even if this situation is unbearably tough for all concerned."
'Willing to try anything to keep Bruce's memory'
Reports have also claimed that Bruce’s 'blended family' has decided to organize a get-together along with his friends, to screen his old movies and TV shows in an effort to spark his memories. “It was Demi's idea and the whole family is very excited about it. The family hopes that reliving the various experiences he had with his co-stars will keep Bruce's memory as sharp and stimulated as possible. It may be a Hail Mary pass, but at this stage, they're willing to try anything to keep Bruce's memory intact for as long as they can,” another insider revealed.
Bruce Willis' family, including his wife Emma, ex-wife Demi Moore, 59, and five daughters Rumer, 34, Scout, 31, Tallulah, 28, Mabel Ray, 10, and Evelyn, eight, are giving their best efforts to keep the star coherent. Recently, they all gathered together to celebrate Bruce’s 68th birthday in March 2023. He was reportedly in a delighted state during the celebrations with both his wives and children. On his special day, his former wife Demi posted a clip on Instagram, where she and Emma along with their children together raised a toast for him. Willis was also seen speaking with the people around him before he blew out the candles in style, making everyone laugh.