Don Johnson is expressing his heartfelt support for his longtime friend Bruce Willis as the beloved actor continues his battle with dementia. 

The “Miami Vice” star, 75, recently opened up about his friendship with Willis during an interview promoting his ABC series “Doctor Odyssey.”

“We’re best of friends, and he’s having a little bit of a struggle right now,” Johnson shared. “I take this moment to send him love.”

Johnson and Willis have shared a strong bond for decades, dating back to the early days of their acting careers. 

In 1987, they were frequently spotted together, including at Hollywood hotspots such as Nicky Blair’s Restaurant. 

Their friendship has remained steadfast over the years, even as Willis stepped away from the spotlight due to health issues.

Willis, who will celebrate his 70th birthday on March 19, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in February 2023. This diagnosis came after his family initially revealed in 2022 that he had been struggling with aphasia, a condition that affects communication abilities.

Johnson, who has watched Willis’ career from its early stages, fondly recalled giving the “Die Hard” star one of his first breaks in television. Before Willis found fame on “Moonlighting” opposite Cybill Shepherd, Johnson helped him land a guest role on “Miami Vice.”

“It was his first episodic TV appearance before ‘Moonlighting,’” Johnson explained. “I had known him from New York, and we’d hang out. He was always funny.”

Recalling how he helped Willis get the role, Johnson said, “I called our casting director on ‘Miami Vice’ and told her, ‘There’s a guy over there, I think he’s a struggling actor, and you should bring him in and read him. He’s really funny, and I think he’d be good.’”

Willis was eventually cast in an episode, and Johnson joked, “She read him and cast him for the wife-beater role. I didn’t have to stick my neck out that far because he was obviously talented. My instincts were pretty good.”

Beyond their work in Hollywood, Johnson and Willis remained close friends, often spotted together at events, including the opening of Planet Hollywood in Chicago in 1999, where they performed on stage together.

Willis’ daughter, Rumer Willis, has also continued her father’s legacy in the entertainment industry. Johnson expressed admiration for her work and was pleased to see her appear on “Doctor Odyssey.”

Recently, Rumer, 36, provided an update on her father’s condition during an interview on the UK talk show “Loose Women.” She shared that her father was “doing really well” and reassured fans that he was in good spirits despite his health struggles.

“He’s doing great,” she added.

Rumer also emphasized the strength of their family bond during this challenging time. She spoke about how her family, including her mother, Demi Moore, and sisters Scout and Tallulah, have come together to support Willis.

“I think what’s so beautiful is the way that we rally around each other,” she said. “We really are a unit.”

Moore, 62, has remained an integral part of Willis’ support system. Despite their divorce in 2000, she has been a steady presence in his life, standing by him throughout his health journey. In a recent interview, she reiterated her commitment to her ex-husband and their family.

“We will always be a family, just in a different form,” she said.

Regarding Willis’ dementia diagnosis, Moore expressed her unwavering dedication. “For me, there was never a question. I show up because that’s what you do for the people you love.”

As Willis continues his battle with frontotemporal dementia, the love and support from his family and friends, including Don Johnson, remain unwavering. Their decades-long friendship and heartfelt words serve as a touching reminder of the deep bonds that transcend Hollywood and endure through life’s most difficult challenges.

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