Eric Dane, beloved for his roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has revealed he’s been diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a progressive neurodegenerative disease often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The 52-year-old actor opened up about his condition in a heartfelt statement to People magazine, saying, “I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”
Despite the challenges ahead, Dane expressed determination to stay active in his career. “I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to the set of Euphoria next week,” he shared. “I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
ALS targets the nervous system, specifically nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The disease gradually impairs muscle control, affecting a person’s ability to move, eat, speak, and eventually breathe. In some cases, it may also lead to dementia. While the average life expectancy after diagnosis is around three years, some individuals, like physicist Stephen Hawking, have lived with the disease for decades.
Other notable figures who have battled ALS include baseball legend Lou Gehrig, SpongeBob SquarePants creator Stephen Hillenburg, and Sesame Street mastermind Jon Stone.
Dane, who shares two daughters… Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13… with actress Rebecca Gayheart, is choosing to face this difficult diagnosis with resilience and support from his loved ones.
As fans and peers rally behind him, Eric Dane’s courage and dedication to his craft continue to inspire.
