Eric Dane is opening up about his battle with ALS in an emotional new interview.
The 52-year-old actor sat down with Diane Sawyer for Good Morning America on Monday, June 16, where he detailed the early signs of the disease and the painful journey to getting diagnosed.
“I started experiencing some weakness in my right hand,” Dane shared, initially chalking it up to too much texting. But as things got worse, he turned to a series of specialists. After months of testing, he finally got the devastating news: ALS.
“I will never forget those three letters,” he said. “It’s on me the second I wake up. It’s not a dream.”
Eric Dane revealed that his ALS has significantly progressed, with his dominant right side now completely nonfunctional.
“I have one functioning arm,” he said. “My left side is functioning, but my right side, [which is my dominant side], has completely stopped working.” He voiced growing concern about his deteriorating condition, adding, “[My left arm] is going. I feel like maybe a couple, a few more months and I won’t have my left… I’m worried about my legs.”
Dane first shared his diagnosis publicly in April with People, noting that he’s been surrounded by the love and support of his family—including his estranged wife, Rebecca Gayheart. “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter,” he said.
The couple, who were headed for divorce until Gayheart dropped her petition shortly before Dane went public with his illness, continue to co-parent their daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13.
Despite the challenges, Dane is staying focused on family and purpose. The Grey’s Anatomy alum told People he’s “looking forward to returning to the set of Euphoria next week.”
