'Grey's Anatomy' & 'Euphoria' Star Eric Dane Confirms ALS Diagnosis
The 52-year-old actor shared his diagnosis, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support of his family during this challenging time.
Eric Dane, known for his role as the Jacobs family patriarch on HBO's "Euphoria," has revealed to PEOPLE magazine that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The 52-year-old actor shared his diagnosis, expressing gratitude for the unwavering support of his family during this challenging time.
"I have been diagnosed with ALS," Dane disclosed. "I am fortunate to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter together." Dane, married to Rebecca Gayheart, is a father to two children, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.
Despite the diagnosis, Dane remains optimistic about his career, stating, "I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to the set of 'Euphoria' next week. I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time."
ALS is a rare neurodegenerative disease that progressively paralyzes muscles, beginning with symptoms like twitching or weakness in limbs and eventually affecting speech, swallowing, and breathing. The Mayo Clinic notes that ALS has no cure, with patients typically living three to five years after diagnosis, although some individuals can survive for decades.
Eric Dane joins a list of notable individuals, including Stephen Hawking and Roberta Flack, who have also faced ALS. As Dane prepares to begin production on the third season of "Euphoria" on April 14, his courage and resilience in the face of this diagnosis continue to inspire fans and colleagues alike.
