Inside Eric Dane’s ALS Journey So Far

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Eric Dane plans on having a spot on the call sheet for as long as possible.

Since revealing his diagnosis of ALS in April, the former Grey’s Anatomy star has openly shared his experiences and doesn’t intend to retire from acting in the near future.

In a June interview with TopMob News and his Countdown co-star Jensen Ackles, Dane said he plans to keep working for as long as possible. He explained that it helps him stay focused and motivated, which is particularly important to him right now.

In addition to his new show on Prime Video and returning as Cal Jacobs for the final season of Euphoria, he’ll also appear as a guest star on season two of NBC’s Brilliant Minds, playing a firefighter fighting ALS.

I’ve been following his career for a while now, and even though he knows things won’t always be easy, he’s genuinely optimistic about what’s coming next – both in his work and his personal life. It’s really inspiring to see!

In a June interview with Good Morning America, Dane told Diane Sawyer, “I don’t believe my story is over. Deep down, I don’t feel like this is how it ends for me. I’m doing everything I can to keep fighting.”

While continuing his work on The Last Ship, the actor is enjoying time with his daughters, 15-year-old Billie and 13-year-old Georgia. He’s also getting support from his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, who decided to stop divorce proceedings earlier this year.

“I talk to Rebecca daily,” Dane told Sawyer. “We’ve become close friends and better parents. She’s my biggest supporter and someone I really rely on.”

Despite some challenges, he’s remained resilient. He had been scheduled to present at the 2025 Emmys alongside his Grey’s Anatomy co-star, Jesse Williams, but had to miss the event due to a hospital stay. Williams shared on the red carpet how close they are, both from their time on the show and their friendship over the years.

He told Heather McMahan on Live From TopMob: 2025 Emmys that they had a wonderful experience working together. He fondly referred to their group as ‘the plastics posse,’ and said he greatly enjoyed working with his colleague, considering him a brother both on and off camera.

Keep reading for more insight into Dane’s health journey as he continues his battle.

Eric Dane revealed he received an ALS diagnosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in April 2025.

I was so saddened to hear Dane share his ALS diagnosis with People magazine. He mentioned how thankful he is to have his wonderful family supporting him as they face this new and challenging time together, and honestly, that really touched me. It’s inspiring to see his strength and gratitude even while going through something so difficult.

Despite his recent diagnosis, the Euphoria actor confirmed he wasn’t retiring from acting. He announced in April 2025 that he was still filming the last season of the HBO show.

Dane, whose new Amazon MGM Studios series Countdown premiered this summer, shared that acting has helped him stay mentally focused while dealing with health challenges.

He told TopMob News in June 2025 that he generally enjoys his work. While there have been challenges, he maintains a positive attitude, which he feels is the most important thing.

Two months after revealing he had been diagnosed, the former Grey’s Anatomy star openly discussed his experience, including the signs that first led him to seek medical attention.

In a June 2025 interview with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America, Dane shared that he first noticed weakness in his right hand. “I didn’t think much of it at first,” he said, “I figured it was just from texting too much or being tired. But after a few weeks, I realized it was getting worse.”

After nearly a year of doctor’s visits – seeing two hand specialists and two neurologists – Dane received a diagnosis of ALS.

The father of two said he’ll never forget seeing those three letters. They’re the first thing he thinks about when he wakes up, and it feels all too real – not like a dream.

He described how the rare disease has already impacted his physical health, and also explained what he expects will happen as the disease gets worse.

During his interview with Sawyer, Dane explained that the left side of his body is still working, but the right side has completely stopped. He added that he worries he may lose function in his left hand within a couple of months, which he finds deeply concerning.

It’s been a tough time for Dane, as he navigates this health challenge. But through it all, his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, has been his rock. They actually filed for divorce back in 2018, but thankfully, she dismissed the filing in March and is standing by his side now, which is so heartwarming to see.

Dane told Sawyer he speaks with Rebecca daily. They’ve grown closer as friends and parents, and she’s his biggest advocate and a constant source of support. He relies on her a lot.

According to Gayheart, she and Dane are the “best of friends.”

Oh my gosh, you guys, I was listening to Tori Spelling talk to TopMob News, and she basically said she and Dean are doing SO well! She said they’re incredibly close and amazing co-parents. Like, they’ve finally cracked the code to keeping their family together, and she thinks it’s really making a difference for the kids – and for them too! I’m seriously so happy to hear that they’re in such a good place. It’s just… everything I’ve been hoping for!

Despite celebrating important moments with his daughters, Billie and Georgia, Dane has shared that he struggles with how his ALS impacts his family.

The actor explained that he’s still dealing with the pain of losing his father at a young age, and now fears his own daughters might experience a similar loss. He shared during an interview on GMA that his biggest wish is simply to be present for his family and continue working when possible.

Dane was scheduled to present at the 2025 Emmys with his Grey’s Anatomy colleague, Jesse Williams, on September 14th, but he couldn’t make it. He later revealed that he had to miss the show due to a hospital stay a few weeks prior.

In an interview with The Washington Post on October 2nd, he explained that he was hospitalized receiving stitches during the Emmys due to a serious illness – ALS. He described ALS as a difficult disease.

“I was a really upset about it,” Dane added. “But you know, there was nothing I could do about it.”

In September 2025, Dane met with doctors and people from the I Am ALS organization. He also spoke with California Congressman Eric Swalwell about getting more federal money for research into ALS, a neurological disease that currently has no cure.

In a TikTok video shared by Representative Swalwell on September 29th, Dane said, “I want to experience all of life’s milestones.” He explained he has two daughters and hopes to see them graduate college, get married, and potentially have children of their own.

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2025-11-03 21:17