Eric Dane Broke Down Over ALS Diagnosis

Buzz Feed

13-06-2025

In April, Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria star Eric Dane announced that he's been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, saying in a statement to People: 'I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.'
For context, Eric is 52 and shares two teenage daughters, Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine, with his wife, Rebecca Gayheart. Rebecca filed for divorce from Eric in 2018, although in March — a month before his ALS diagnosis was made public — she requested to dismiss her petition.
ALS, which is sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease or motor neurone disease, is a rare neurodegenerative illness that impacts nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing progressive paralysis of the muscles. The disease — for which there is currently no cure — causes people to gradually lose the ability to walk, speak, eat, and breathe independently, although it notably does not impact a person's thinking ability.
The life expectancy after a person is diagnosed with ALS can vary between cases; however, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, most people with the disease are expected to live for three to five years after diagnosis. That said, everyone's experience with ALS is unique, and some people go on to live for decades.
When announcing his diagnosis, Eric expressed gratitude that he's currently in a position to continue working, saying that he's 'looking forward to returning to the set of Euphoria,' which is currently shooting its long-awaited third season.
Eric stars in the Emmy-winning HBO series as Cal Jacobs, the father of Nate Jacobs, who is played by Jacob Elordi.
Now, in a teaser for an upcoming interview with Diane Sawyer for Good Morning America, the actor has given an emotional update on his situation, saying: 'I wake up every day and I'm immediately reminded that this is happening. It's not a dream.'
At one point in the 30-second teaser, Eric and Diane hold hands as he looks visibly emotional. 'I don't think this is the end of my story. I don't feel like this is the end of me,' he says.
Towards the end of the clip, while presumably discussing the immediate aftermath of his diagnosis, Diane asks who the first person was that he called, prompting Eric to break down in tears.
The GMA segment — which airs on Monday — marks Eric's first TV interview since his diagnosis. It comes after he spoke with Variety about the future of his career, saying he feels 'pretty capable' as far as acting is concerned.
'With real respect, I really don't want to talk about it. I made the announcement. That's what's going on with me; it's very personal to me,' he said when asked about his diagnosis. 'I am ready and willing to do just about anything, but I have limitations that I understand will preclude me from playing certain roles. I'm working on Euphoria. I finished Countdown. As far as that goes, I'm pretty capable.'