A recent interview with PEOPLE Magazine has led to the shocking revelation of Eric Dane’s ALS diagnosis. The 52-year-old American actor who played Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan in “Grey’s Anatomy” from 2006 to 2012 revealed this himself to the publication.
He further stated that his health has not impacted his plans to return to filming with the “Euphoria” crew in the coming days for season 3 of the hit HBO series, which will air in 2026.
“I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter,” he said. “I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to (the) set of Euphoria next week.” He added, “I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
What Was Eric Dane Diagnosed With?
Doctors diagnosed Eric Dane with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common form of motor neuron disease, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. According to the ALS Association, ALS is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease affecting the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that make the muscles of both the upper and lower body work.
Experts further describe it as a terminal degenerative disorder that causes people to lose the use of their limbs, the ability to speak and swallow, and eventually the ability to breathe on their own. Symptoms of ALS often begin with muscle cramps and twitching of the hands, shoulders, and tongue. It also includes tripping and falling, weakness in the legs, feet, or ankles, untimely crying, laughing, or yawning, and sleeping problems.
According to a recent survey published about the ALS disease, in 2017, there were between nearly 18,000 and 31,000 cases of ALS in the United States alone.
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How Is ALS Diagnosed and Treated?
Usually, ALS can be very difficult to diagnose early because it has symptoms that are similar to other diseases. But there are tests to rule out other conditions or help diagnose ALS, which might include an electromyogram (EMG). Researchers still do not know the exact cause of the disease, but they have identified a small number of cases that are inherited.
For the treatment of ALS, you should know that the fatal disease has no cure. Although treatments may not be able to reverse the damage of ALS, they can slow the progression of the symptoms. They can also help patients like Eric Dane prevent complications and make him more comfortable and independent.
People with ALS will need a team of healthcare providers and doctors trained to provide specialized care for their health condition. Treatment may include medication to relieve symptoms and therapy. Therapies and other forms of support can help with breathing, physical therapy for pain and mobility, and speech therapy.
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Person Diagnosed With ALS?
Half of the people who have been diagnosed with ALS die within 14 to 18 months of their diagnosis. However, some people with ALS live up to 10 years or even longer. The most common cause of death for people with ALS is breathing failure.
For example, doctors diagnosed world-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking with a slow-progressing form of the disease when he was 21 years old, and he lived until the age of 76. Other notable stars who have lived with an ALS diagnosis include “SpongeBob SquarePants” creator Stephen Hillenburg.
Late R&B singer Roberta Flack, former U.S. Vice President Henry A. Wallace, Aaron Lazar, and John Driskell Hopkins are also people who have lived with the disease.
Will Eric Dane’s Marriage Survive Following His ALS Diagnosis?
Eric Dane married 53-year-old actor and model Rebecca Gayheart in 2004. The couple has two children together: Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.
In March, before the revelation of Eric Dane’s ALS diagnosis, he and his wife, Gayheart, called off their divorce after Gayheart filed to have the petition dismissed. The actress first filed the legal documents in February 2018 due to irreconcilable differences and requested joint custody of their children. However, things seem to have changed between the couple.
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Despite previously splitting, Dane and Gayheart maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship. In 2022, they enjoyed a family vacation in Europe. The following year, they fueled reconciliation rumors when the former exes came together for a family vacation in Cabo, Mexico.
At the time, the Dane appeared to hold onto Gayheart as their kids, Billie and Georgia, followed closely behind. During their vacation, people spotted the two dining together, with Dane going shirtless. Now that the court has dismissed their divorce, they both have another shot at happiness in marriage.
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