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Eric Dane got emotional over his ALS diagnosis, revealing he has only one functioning arm.
Eric Dane was earlier diagnosed with ALS.
Known for his iconic role as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and more recently as Cal Jacobs in Euphoria, actor Eric Dane recently opened up about his diagnosis with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a progressive neurological disease.
Back in April, the 52-year-old actor confirmed the diagnosis, telling People, “I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.” Dane is married to actress Rebecca Gayheart, and the couple are parents to two daughters: Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.
Now, in an emotional interview with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America, Dane revealed that the disease has already impacted his mobility. “My left side is functioning; my right side has completely stopped working,” he said, visibly emotional. “I feel like maybe a couple more months and I won’t have my left hand either. It’s sobering.”
Recalling how it all began, Dane explained he first noticed numbness and weakness in his hand nearly a year ago. At first, he dismissed it. “I thought maybe I’d been texting too much or my hand was fatigued,” he said. But when things worsened, he started seeing specialists. “So I went and saw a hand specialist, who sent me to another hand specialist. I went and saw a neurologist and the neurologist sent me to another neurologist and said, ‘This is way above my pay grade.’”
Eventually, the diagnosis came and it hit hard. Dane recalled the moment he was told, saying, “I’ll never forget those three letters.” He added, “I’m fighting as much as I can. There’s so much about it that’s out of my control.”
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control. Early symptoms often include limb weakness and slurred speech, and it eventually progresses to difficulty walking, eating, and breathing.
Through it all, Dane credits his wife Rebecca for being his biggest support system. “She is probably my biggest champion and my most stalwart supporter, and I lean on her,” he shared. “She became a better friend to me, and we became better parents together.”
Despite the physical toll, Dane remains professionally active. He’s set to return to the third season of Euphoria.
Over the years, Dane has built a solid career in both television and film, with memorable appearances in Charmed, Marley & Me, Valentine’s Day, and Burlesque. He also led the TNT drama The Last Ship.
He now joins a list of public figures who have publicly shared their own ALS diagnoses, including Stephen Hawking, Eric Stevens, Kenneth Mitchell, and Roberta Flack.
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