‘So Beautiful’: Brilliant Minds Showrunner Recalls Eric Dane Getting A Standing Ovation While Filming Post ALS Diagnosis

by

NBC’s new show, Brilliant Minds, has been full of heartfelt scenes, but a recent Thanksgiving episode was particularly moving thanks to a guest appearance by Eric Dane. Known for his role on Grey’s Anatomy, Dane recently shared his own diagnosis of ALS. He played Matthew Ramati, a firefighter struggling with how to tell his family about his illness. The show’s creator described the moment the actor received a standing ovation during filming as “beautiful.”

Michael Grassi, the showrunner, recently shared with NBC Insider what happened on the set of Euphoria after the actor filmed a key scene. This scene involved his character recording a touching voice message for a voice-banking app while his family celebrated Thanksgiving. In an unusual choice for the show, the final voiceover wasn’t delivered by the main character, Dr. Oliver Wolf (Zachary Quinto), but by Dane’s character, Matthew. The voiceover reflected on themes of rescue, courage, and the importance of accepting help. Grassi remembered:

That scene was incredibly touching, and Eric gave a truly vulnerable and beautiful performance. When we finished filming, the whole crew spontaneously gave Matthew a ten-minute standing ovation. Everyone was deeply moved by his amazing work, making it a really memorable day.

I’m completely hooked on Brilliant Minds! It’s an amazing medical drama on NBC, and what really draws me in is that it’s based on real stories from Dr. Oliver Sacks. You follow Dr. Oliver Wolf – played by Zachary Quinto – who’s a really gifted but different kind of neurologist. He guides a team of interns at a hospital in the Bronx through some incredibly tough cases. Honestly, the show is so well-written, with characters you really care about, and it’s full of emotional moments. It’s quickly become known for being a really human and heartfelt series.

Earlier this year, actor Eric Dane revealed he has ALS, a rare disease that progressively affects muscle control. He expressed gratitude for being able to continue working and thanked his family for their support. More recently, the Grey’s Anatomy star discussed his initial anger after the diagnosis and how he’s adjusting to life with it. This personal journey deeply informs his performance in an episode of Brilliant Minds.

You can stream ‘Brilliant Minds’ on Peacock, with plans starting at $7.99 per month or $79.99 per year. For an ad-free experience and the ability to download shows and movies for offline viewing, consider upgrading to Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Plus. See the deal here.

The episode “Fire Fighter” is memorable for its emotional depth, going beyond just the medical storyline. Dane’s character, Matthew, is dealing with the heartbreaking reality of ALS while also learning to open up to his family and friends. Unusually, the episode concludes with Matthew sharing his own thoughts and feelings in a voiceover, highlighting his personal transformation and journey, rather than Dr. Wolf’s usual reflections.

Grassi shared that the change in how the story was told was on purpose, helping both the character and Dane’s acting really stick with viewers. The effect was significant, extending beyond just the show itself. As actor John Clarence Stewart put it:

The show is clearly attracting top talent, with many fantastic actors eager to join the cast. [Dane] is not only handsome but also a genuinely kind and approachable person.

Everyone is already buzzing about Eric Dane’s guest appearance on Brilliant Minds, with many calling it one of the best on TV this year. You can watch Brilliant Minds on Mondays at 10 PM Eastern/9 PM Central on NBC, or stream it the next day on Peacock.

Read More

2025-11-25 19:38