Eric Dane has candidly shared more details about his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (commonly called ALS).
During a June 2025 interview with Good Morning America, the 52-year-old actor tragically revealed one of his arms no longer works.
“I have one functioning arm. My dominant side, my left side, is functioning… My right side has completely stopped working,” he said.
Eric went on to say that he’s quite sure he only has “a few more months” before his left arm gives out, and he’s “worried” about losing function in his legs.
However, despite the “sobering” symptoms of ALS, Eric is still optimistic.
“I don’t think this is the end of the story,” the Grey’s Anatomy star said through tears.
“I just don’t feel in my heart like this is the end of me. I’m fighting as much as I can.”
Has Eric Dane been diagnosed with ALS?
Yes, Eric first shared he’d been diagnosed with ALS in April of this year.
“I have been diagnosed with ALS,” he told People. “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,” he continued. “I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
Who is Eric Dane married to?
Eric is married to Rebecca Gayheart, and the couple share two daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.
When speaking to Good Morning America about his ALS diagnosis, Eric also said:
“I’m angry because … there’s a very good chance I’m going to be taken from my girls when they’re very young.”
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Over time, it leads to the loss of muscle control, impacting a person’s ability to move, speak, eat, and eventually, breathe.
There is currently no cure for ALS, and symptoms typically begin with muscle twitching, weakness in the limbs, or difficulty speaking. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience increasing paralysis while their cognitive function remains largely intact.
While treatments can help manage symptoms and potentially slow progression, ALS is often life-limiting. The average life expectancy following diagnosis is typically two to five years, although some people live significantly longer.
Several high-profile figures have battled ALS, helping to raise awareness of the disease. These include baseball legend Lou Gehrig, physicist Stephen Hawking, actor and playwright Sam Shepard, and former NFL player Steve Gleason, who has become a prominent advocate since his diagnosis.
