Common signs of ALS as Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane reveals diagnosis
Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria star Eric Dane has revealed his recent ALS diagnosis, a condition many people don't fully understand. Years ago, the ALS ice bucket challenge saw celebrities and ordinary individuals drenching themselves with ice water and challenging others to do the same, aiming to boost awareness and fundraising for this disease. However, as time passed, many have forgotten what ALS actually involves and its impact on patients.
The actor, who plans to begin filming the newest season of Euphoria next week, disclosed his diagnosis during a People interview. Eric was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), an uncommon motor neurone disorder.
Eric Dane opened up about his diagnosis (Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
The news emerges shortly after his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, submitted documents to cancel their ongoing divorce proceedings, following her attempt to end their 14-year marriage in February 2018.
When discussing his condition, he stated: "I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter."
"I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria_ next week."
The Charmed_ actor wed Rebecca Gayheart in 2004, and they share two daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.
His health struggle resembles other public cases, such as Sandra Bullock's long-term companion, Bryan Randall, who died in 2023 after a private three-year fight with ALS.
According to the Mayo Clinic, ALS 'is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord' causing progressive muscle control loss that worsens over time.
Commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease, named after the baseball player diagnosed with it, the cause remains unknown, although risk factors include being male and genetic predisposition.
The Mayo Clinic indicates that ALS 'often begins with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg, trouble swallowing or slurred speech' before affecting muscles controlling movement, speech, eating and breathing'.
ALS symptoms typically differ between individuals depending on which nerve cells are affected, but usually start with muscle weakness that spreads and intensifies over time.
Common ALS indicators include walking difficulties, trouble with daily activities, frequent tripping and falling, leg, foot or ankle weakness, hand weakness or clumsiness, slurred speech, swallowing difficulties, muscle cramps and twitching in arms, shoulders and tongue, inappropriate crying, laughing or yawning, plus cognitive or behavioral changes.
Supporters of the performer have displayed overwhelming compassion since his health revelation. On X, one admirer stated: "Eric Dane being diagnosed with ALS ruined my week..."
Another follower remarked: "Gutted to hear about Eric Dane. Sending him and all those that love him strength."
A different individual expressed: "Eric Dane getting diagnosed w a terminal illness was not on my 2025 bingo card I'm actually gonna cry."
Finally, someone else commented: "This is awful. Thinking of Eric Dane and his family. McSteamy forever."
