June 13, 2025, 5:51 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Eric Dane, known from the popular medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” has received a serious diagnosis: The actor is living with the incurable nerve disease ALS. In a moving interview, he spoke publicly for the first time about his condition—and how he still maintains his zest for life.
Fans of TV series know the actor as Cal Jacobs in “Euphoria” or as McSexy from “Grey’s Anatomy.” Now, Eric Dane is making headlines not for a new project, but for revealing that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). What details he has shared and exactly what he is suffering from…
Dane Won’t Be Defeated
Eric Dane has publicly revealed that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)—an incurable disease of the motor nervous system. In a moving interview with U.S. journalist Diane Sawyer, the 52-year-old spoke for the first time about the diagnosis. “I wake up every day and am immediately reminded that this is happening,” Dane said. “But I don’t believe this is the end of my story.”
According to Dane, the diagnosis was made about two years ago. Nevertheless, he consciously chose to remain silent for a long time. Only now, as he increasingly feels symptoms, does he want to be open about the disease—also to encourage other affected individuals. The disease changes everything, he explained. Physically. Psychologically. Socially. Still, he doesn’t want to be defined by it.
Work as an Anchor–and Support from Family
Dane emphasizes that he wants to continue working. Professional projects, such as his role in the HBO series “Euphoria,” provide him not only stability but also emotional support. “I feel privileged to be able to continue working.” At the same time, Dane spoke about the importance of his social environment. His family and close friends are a crucial support. “I am grateful to have my family by my side as we embark on this next chapter together,” he explained in an interview with the U.S. magazine “People.” Despite the physical changes, it is important to him to remain active—as long as possible.
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What is ALS?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe disease of the nervous system. The nerve cells responsible for controlling muscles deteriorate. As a result, the muscles can no longer receive impulses and become weaker. At the same time, involuntary muscle twitches, known as fasciculations, occur.1
ALS occurs worldwide and has been known for over 100 years. However, it is considered very rare—only about one to two out of 100,000 people are diagnosed annually. Due to these low case numbers, research on ALS remains limited.2 The disease usually begins between the ages of 50 and 70, with men being more frequently affected than women. In most cases, ALS appears to occur spontaneously—without a family history. However, in rare cases, a genetic mutation can make nerve cells more susceptible to damage from harmful substances in the body.3
Important: ALS should not be confused with multiple sclerosis (MS).
How Does the Disease Progress?
ALS progresses differently in each person, both in speed and symptoms. The disease usually begins gradually, such as with muscle weakness in an arm or leg or with difficulties in speaking or swallowing. As it progresses, paralysis spreads to other areas of the body. The nerve cells gradually die off, and the muscles weaken and deteriorate. This leads to movement restrictions, problems with facial expressions, and later with eating, speaking, and breathing.
The average life expectancy after diagnosis is between three and five years. In exceptional cases—like physicist Stephen Hawking—life expectancy can be significantly longer.4
Treatment Options: What is Medically Possible Today
There is currently no cure for ALS. The goal of therapy is to slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life. Medications like Riluzole or Edaravone intervene in the disease mechanism and can slow the degeneration of nerve cells.
Physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, and respiratory aids support daily life management. Psychological support also plays a central role, as many affected individuals reportedly struggle with anxiety, depression, or social withdrawal.5,6