Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 18, 2025 · Entertainment

Eric Dane Defies ALS with Undying Passion for Acting

Eric Dane (pictured August 6) did not mince words when questioned about whether he plans on continuing his acting career amid his serious battle against the incurable degenerative neurological disorder, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

THEATRE'S SENSATION ERIC DANE REFUSES TO GIVE UP ON HIS ACTING CAREER DESPITE ALS DIAGNOSIS

In a bold and unapologetic statement, Hollywood hunk Eric Dane has made it clear that he won't let his battle with the incurable degenerative neurological disorder, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), bring him down. The 52-year-old Grey's Anatomy alum, known for his dashing good looks and captivating performances on screen, has been diagnosed with ALS, but he's refusing to give up.

When questioned by E! News about his future in the acting world, Dane responded with characteristic bravado: "I'm going to ride this till the wheels fall off." The statement is a testament to his unwavering determination and commitment to his craft. For him, acting isn't just a job - it's a way of life.

The 52-year-old Grey's Anatomy alum told E! News on Tuesday: 'I'm going to ride this till the wheels fall off. It keeps me sharp. It keeps me moving forward, which is super important right now'

Despite losing the function of his dominant right arm in the year since he was diagnosed with ALS, Dane insists that he feels "great when I'm at work." He credits this feeling to the sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes with performing. As he so eloquently puts it, "It keeps me sharp. It keeps me moving forward, which is super important right now."

Dane's determination is all the more impressive considering the physical challenges he faces on a daily basis. The father-of-two has to contend with the debilitating effects of ALS, which can cause muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually, loss of function in vital organs. But despite these setbacks, Dane remains optimistic.

"I feel pretty good," he admits, though acknowledging that "of course, there have been some sort of setbacks." However, his spirit remains unbroken, and his buoyant attitude is an inspiration to us all.

Eric insisted he feels 'great when I'm at work' despite losing the function of his dominant right arm in the year since he was diagnosed with ALS: 'Of course, there have been some sort of setbacks, but I feel pretty good' (pictured in 2024)

Dane's latest projects are a testament to his enduring talent and dedication. He'll be starring as Special Agent Nathan Blythe in the upcoming 13-episode crime drama Countdown, which premieres June 25 on Amazon Prime Video. His co-star Jensen Ackles praises Dane for bringing "beautiful, quiet leadership" to the cast, noting that it was "incredibly needed" during the production process.

Fans of Euphoria will be delighted to know that Dane is reprising his role as Cal Jacobs in season three, which promises to be just as explosive and dramatic as its predecessors. With the addition of newcomers Sharon Stone, Rosalía, Marshawn Lynch, and Kadeem Hardison, this season is shaping up to be one for the books.

But what about Family Secrets, the Montenegro-set wedding thriller that cast Dane as the family patriarch back in 2023? Unfortunately, his status on the project remains unclear. Perhaps we'll see him take on a new role soon?

Audiences can next catch the SAG Award winner as Special Agent Nathan Blythe in Derek Haas' new 13-episode crime drama Countdown, which premieres June 25 on Amazon Prime Video

Dane's big break came when he played plastic surgeon Mark "McSteamy" Sloan from 2006-2012 on Grey's Anatomy. It was this iconic role that catapulted him to stardom and earned him a spot among Hollywood's elite.

As he continues to navigate the challenges of ALS, Dane is exploring various treatment options, including medication to slow down the symptoms and participation in research studies. When asked by Good Morning America's Diane Sawyer if he'd consider trying unorthodox treatments, Dane responded with characteristic humor: "I will fly to Germany and eat the head off a rattlesnake if [doctors] told me that that would help." It's clear that this actor is willing to take risks to fight his condition.

ALS patients typically live two to five years following their first symptoms, but advances in medicine and physical therapies have shown promise in slowing down the progression of the disorder. Despite the odds, Dane remains hopeful about his future. "I'm very resilient," he says, his heart remaining steadfast in its determination to beat ALS.

Eric's co-star Jensen Ackles (R) said he brought a 'beautiful, quiet leadership' to the cast that was 'incredibly needed' in Countdown: 'That was just something that was so beneficial to the process of creating a team both on and off camera'

With a career spanning over two decades and a reputation for delivering captivating performances on screen, Eric Dane is an inspiration to us all. His unwavering dedication to his craft and refusal to let adversity get the best of him are a testament to his strength and resilience.

As we eagerly await his future projects, one thing is clear: Eric Dane will continue to ride this till the wheels fall off - and beyond.

Dane recently reprised his role as the closeted real estate agent Cal Jacobs in the third season of HBO hit show Euphoria, which is produced by and starring Zendaya as Ruby 'Rue' Bennett

'I've shot already,' the San Francisco-born silver fox teased. 'It's good'

Eric famously got his big break portraying plastic surgeon Mark 'McSteamy' Sloan from 2006–2012 on the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy

Dane is currently taking medication to slow the symptoms and he's also participating in a research study: 'I will fly to Germany and eat the head off a rattlesnake if [doctors] told me that that would help'

The Bad Boys: Ride or Die action star told GMA's Diane Sawyer on Monday that he fears he will lose function of his left hand 'in a few more months' and he's also 'worried about my legs'