Eric Dane Reveals ALS Diagnosis, Continues ‘Euphoria’ Filming/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Actor Eric Dane has revealed he has ALS but intends to continue working on HBO’s Euphoria. The 52-year-old, known for roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, asked for privacy as he navigates the illness. He shared the diagnosis in an exclusive interview with People magazine.
Eric Dane ALS Diagnosis: Quick Looks
- Eric Dane, 52, confirmed he has been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
- The Euphoria and Grey’s Anatomy star says he plans to keep working and will return to set next week.
- ALS is a progressive neurological disease that attacks motor neurons, affecting movement, speech, and breathing.
- Dane made the announcement Thursday in an interview with People magazine.
- “I feel fortunate that I can continue working,” Dane said, while requesting privacy for his family.
- Dane shares two children with Rebecca Gayheart, his wife; the couple paused their divorce earlier this year.
- Euphoria is scheduled to resume production this month.
- Dane’s publicist has not commented beyond the statement made to People.
- ALS typically progresses rapidly, with most patients living 3–5 years post-diagnosis.
Eric Dane Reveals ALS Diagnosis, Continues ‘Euphoria’ Filming
Deep Look
LOS ANGELES — Euphoria and Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane has revealed he has ALS, a progressive and incurable neurological disease, in a candid interview released Thursday. Despite the diagnosis, the 52-year-old actor says he plans to return to the set of Euphoria next week and continue working for as long as he can.
“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working,” Dane told People. “I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
Dane, best known for his roles as Cal Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria and as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan in Grey’s Anatomy, is facing a disease that affects around 5,000 new people annually in the U.S. ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, slowly attacks the body’s motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, difficulty speaking and breathing, and eventually paralysis.
A Personal Battle in the Public Eye
Dane’s announcement adds his name to the list of high-profile figures who have gone public with an ALS diagnosis. He joins a small but visible group of public figures who have chosen to continue working and raising awareness while managing a degenerative illness.
While no specific details were released regarding when Dane was diagnosed or the stage of his condition, his statement struck a tone of gratitude and resilience. With Euphoria set to resume filming this month, fans can expect to see Dane continue portraying the controversial father of Nate Jacobs in the upcoming season.
Family and Health in the Spotlight
Dane is married to actress Rebecca Gayheart, though their relationship has experienced public ups and downs. The couple filed for divorce in 2018 but reportedly reconciled, with Gayheart filing to dismiss the divorce earlier this year.
They share two daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.
As Dane battles ALS, his family is expected to play a crucial support role. The actor’s request for privacy reflects the deeply personal nature of his diagnosis and the toll it can take on loved ones.
Understanding ALS
ALS is a rare neurological disease that primarily affects the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. The progressive condition typically leads to muscle atrophy, respiratory failure, and in many cases, death within three to five years of diagnosis.
There is no cure for ALS, though some therapies and treatments can modestly slow the disease’s progression or improve quality of life.
Public awareness about ALS was significantly boosted by the Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014, which raised more than $115 million for ALS research.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.