Tallulah Willis, diagnosed with autism, to be honored for advocacy

FILE PHOTO: From left: Scout Larue Willis, Tallulah Willis and Rumer Willis arrive at the Los Angeles premiere of “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” at the TCL Chinese Theatre on July 22, 2019. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

LOS ANGELES – Tallulah Willis, the youngest daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, will be honored by Autism Speaks at the advocacy group’s annual gala event on Oct. 24 in Hollywood, the organization announced Wednesday.

An entrepreneur and artist based in Los Angeles, Tallulah Willis has been open about her mental-health struggles and uses her platform to advocate for awareness and self-care in the hopes that her journey will inspire those facing their own challenges.

She received her autism diagnosis earlier this year at age 30, according to Autism Speaks.

“Die Hard” actor Bruce Willis, who left acting in 2022 due to his struggles with aphasia, was diagnosed more specifically with frontotemporal dementia, his family announced in February 2023.

Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism spectrum disorder throughout their lifespan.

The group’s gala event at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood invites guests to “Journey Back to Old Havana for an Evening at the Copacabana,” invoking the atmosphere of a bygone era, the autism advocacy group said.

Tallulah Willis joins a list of honorees and supporters from years past, including Dave Grohl, J.K. Simmons, Sarah McLachlan, Kristen Chenoweth, Naomi Campbell and many more.

The event will feature celebrity blue-carpet arrivals, a cocktail reception, live/silent auctions, dinner, dancing, an awards program and live entertainment.

“It is a privilege to have the support of advocates like Tallulah in calling awareness to the most pressing issues for the autistic community,” said Georgianna Junco-Kelman, an Autism Speaks board member.

“While we are celebrating the strides we made in driving inclusion at past Autism Speaks Los Angeles galas, work still needs to be done to ensure there are more opportunities, particularly in the entertainment sector, that allow people with autism to reach their full potential.

“In collaboration with local communities and supporters, we are proud to serve as key source of information, steadfast allies in the fight for greater representation, and champions for true acceptance of autistic people at every stage of life.” (CNS)