'The least we can do': Aussie director calls for 'honorary' Oscar for Bruce Willis after dementia diagnosis
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Australian filmmaker Edward Drake is campaigning for Hollywood actor Bruce Willis to receive an honorary Oscar as a recognition of his contribution to the film industry. Willis, who has acted in several blockbuster movies despite having a neurological condition, has never won an Academy Award before. Drake, who has directed nine films featuring Willis, including the popular Detective Knight series and American Siege, wants to honor the actor for his outstanding performances and achievements.
In a recent interview with the Herald Sun, Drake expressed his admiration for Willis and the impact he has made in the film industry. "We have so many great memories of his movies and I really think that should be honored. Giving Willis an honorary Oscar is the least we can do," said Drake. Willis' family recently announced that the 67-year-old actor's career was coming to an end due to his frontotemporal dementia. Prior to this, he was diagnosed with aphasia, which affected his speech and comprehension. Despite his condition, Willis continued to perform with dedication and passion.
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Recent updates on Willis' disorder
According to a statement released by the family of Willis, the renowned actor who retired from acting in May 2022 due to aphasia has now been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. The family has revealed that the language and memory problems that sparked rumors about Willis' cognitive state were just one symptom of the disease he is facing. Frontotemporal dementia is a group of brain disorders that affect the frontal and temporal lobes. This can cause atrophy, resulting in speech problems, emotional challenges, and changes in personality. The disorder can also lead to the loss of motor skills, difficulties in walking and swallowing, and muscle spasms.
In their statement, the family expressed their pain but also relief in having a clear diagnosis, saying, "While this is a painful reality, we are relieved to finally have a clear diagnosis. Today, there are no treatments for the disease, a fact that we hope can change in the years to come." The family also expressed their hope that any media attention given to Willis's condition can help bring more awareness and research to this disease, saying, "As Bruce's condition progresses, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research."
Raising awareness for frontotemporal dementia
Emma Heming, the wife of Willis, is using her social media accounts to raise awareness about frontotemporal dementia following her husband's recent diagnosis with the disorder. In a recent video shared on her Instagram, she spoke about turning her grief into something positive and advocating for both FTD awareness and caregivers who are often overlooked.
"I just saw something about me getting my five minutes, which is great. Which means you're listening. So I'm going to take my five minutes and turn it into 10 because I'm always going to stand up for my husband," she began. Heming added, "And while I'm at it, I'm going to raise awareness for FTD and for caregivers, who are the unsung heroes out there. And then, I'm going to channel my hurt, anger, and sadness into making something good out of something that feels less. So, let's take care of this space, because I didn't come to play."