Dementia is an umbrella term encompassing conditions that affect memory, thinking, and behavior. While often associated with later life, dementia is not a part of normal aging. As a rule of nature, It can touch anyone, regardless of their age, background, or fame. It is a complex journey, one that many public figures have bravely shared with the world, including Bruce Willis.
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The world was taken by storm when Willis was announced to have been diagnosed with dementia. On February 16, 2023, his family announced that the Moonlighting superstar had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. The fandom showered its love and support for the star. There are some more celebrities who have shared their conditions with millions of their fans worldwide.
#5 Robin Williams
Robin Williams was a comedy icon who could pull off serious roles as brilliantly. He was a Hollywood workhorse who starred in a lot of media throughout his career. A talented actor in a true sense, Williams was diagnosed with Dementia. Despite his condition, Williams put on a happy face and constantly worked to cheer up his fans.
The Happy Feet actor was gone too soon in 2014, at the age of 63. He last featured in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb and lent his voice in Absolutely Anything, both of which were released after his unfortunate demise.
#4. Glen Campbell
Glen Campbell was an American country singer and actor with a legacy that will live on forever. He had an undeterred spirit. His music continues to touch hearts and his fight for understanding and acceptance continues to inspire support for those facing Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2011, at the age of 75. He sadly passed away in 2017. While the Rhinestone Cowboy voyaged into the sunset, his music and journey serve as a beacon of hope.
#3. Rita Hayworth
Rita Hayworth was one of the biggest stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Widely praised as “The Love Goddess”, Hayworth was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 1980. The disease had widely not been taken seriously by the masses. However, Hayworth’s situation led the world to be more open about dementia and other cognitive conditions.
She ascended to the Heavens in 1987. In the words of medical historian Barron H. Lerner, The Love Goddess became “the first public face of Alzheimer’s, helping to ensure that future patients did not go undiagnosed … Unbeknownst to her, Hayworth helped to destigmatize a condition that can still embarrass victims and their families.”
#2. Joanne Woodward
Born in 1930, Joanne Woodward has been a global icon for more than seventy years. First featured in Tales of Tomorrow (1952), Woodward aptly last starred in The Last Movie Stars (2022). The multi-award-winning actress captivated audiences in many films. She was also one of the first celebrities to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2007 at the age of 77. Since then, Woodward has kept herself away from the public eye and moved to Santa Monica, California, to spend her time with her family. Her strength and determination are surely an inspiration for generations to come.
#1. Sean Connery
The iconic spy, James Bond, has captivated audiences for generations. Many actors have donned the role of British spy but there’s one man who started it all – Sir Sean Connery. Besides seven James Bond movies, he also featured in movies such as A Bridge Too Far and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
The Big Tam was one of the biggest stars on earth during his time and his legacy will last forever. He passed away in 2020 and his wife Micheline Roquebrune revealed that Connery had dementia during the final few years of his life. His charisma has immortalized the character of James Bond in the hearts of the fans.
