Bruce Willis speaks publicly for first time since dementia diagnosis at 68th birthday

Hollywood icon Bruce Willis has spoken publicly for the first time since his dementia diagnosis. The beloved actor was celebrating his 68th birthday with family and friends.

Willis' ex-wife Demi Moore shared the touching moment his family sang 'Happy Birthday' to the Die Hard star on social media.

Movie fans of a certain age will have grown up with Bruce Willis. Even beyond nailing it as John McClane in the Die Hard franchise, he’s well known for his role in movies like Pulp Fiction, as well as his pitch-perfect cameo in Friends.

Willis can be seen enjoying the party with his family, before blowing out the candles and joining in with a 'hip, hip hooray'. Fans and supporters were quick to wish him well.

Back in March last year Willis confirmed he was being forced to retire from acting due to a debilitating brain disease known as aphasia.

Last month, his family announced that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) which impacts the lobes of the brain behind the forehead. There is no known cure.

Symptoms of FTD are known to include personality changes, obsessive behavior and speaking difficulties.

"Our family wanted to start by expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, support and wonderful stories we have all received since sharing Bruce’s original diagnosis," Willis' family wrote in a post on The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration's website.

"Since we announced Bruce’s diagnosis of aphasia in spring 2022, Bruce’s condition has progressed and we now have a more specific diagnosis: frontotemporal dementia (known as FTD).

"Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis."