Hollywood was hit with an emotional jolt this week after actor Eric Dane revealed he has been diagnosed with ALS, the progressive and often devastating condition also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The 52-year-old actor, best known for his iconic roles as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy” and as the complicated Cal Jacobs in HBO’s “Euphoria”, shared the news in a statement to “People” magazine. “I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter,” he said, adding, “I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to the set of “Euphoria” next week.”
That’s right—despite the diagnosis, Dane is determined to keep working. The beloved star asked fans and the public for privacy as he and his family adjust to their new reality.
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a neurological disease that slowly robs the body of muscle control. It affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, and over time, makes it increasingly difficult to walk, speak, eat, or even breathe.
According to the ALS Association, the average life expectancy after diagnosis is two to five years, though some people, like the late physicist Stephen Hawking, can live with the disease for decades.
Dane’s announcement echoes a somber list of public figures who’ve faced the same fight—Lou Gehrig himself, “SpongeBob SquarePants” creator Stephen Hillenburg, “Sesame Street” mastermind Jon Stone, and more recently, beloved sportswriter and ALS advocate Tom Rinaldi’s friends and colleagues who have shared their stories.
Married to actress Rebecca Gayheart, Dane is a father to two daughters—Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13. The family has not issued further comment, but photos of them in recent months show a tight-knit bond, and it’s clear Dane’s support system is rock-solid.
Fans of “Euphoria” will be watching closely to see how the show’s upcoming season handles Dane’s presence—and potentially, his absence.
HBO has not issued a formal response, and neither have Dane’s co-stars, but with the actor planning a return to set next week, it appears—for now—the story continues.
As the entertainment world processes the news, one thing is clear: Eric Dane is facing ALS with grace, grit, and the kind of bravery that made McSteamy a legend.
