Actor Eric Dane has publicly confirmed that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disease.
As USA Today reported, The 52-year-old, best known for his roles in "Grey’s Anatomy" and HBO’s "Euphoria," made the announcement in a statement to People magazine.
“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.”
Dane also expressed appreciation for the support of his wife, actress-model Rebecca Gayheart, and their two children. “I’m grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter,” he said.
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ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rare condition that targets nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It gradually leads to the loss of muscle control, affecting movement, speech, swallowing, and eventually breathing.
Despite its severity, ALS does not typically affect the senses or the function of the eyes and bladder until late in the disease's progression.
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The condition is named after legendary New York Yankees player Lou Gehrig, who retired from baseball in 1939 after being diagnosed with the illness.
Other public figures who have been diagnosed with ALS include renowned physicist Stephen Hawking, “SpongeBob SquarePants” creator Stephen Hillenburg, former Vice President Henry A. Wallace, and late R&B artist Roberta Flack.
Currently, there is no known cure for ALS. According to the CDC, the average life expectancy following symptom onset is three to five years, though younger individuals may live longer. Familial ALS cases tend to progress more rapidly.
There are, however, treatments available to slow the disease's progression. Riluzole, the first FDA-approved drug for ALS, was shown to reduce mortality by 35%.
More recently, Edaravone, sold under the brand name Radicava, and Amylyx Pharmaceuticals’ Relyvrio were also approved by the FDA as treatment options.
Dane’s decision to continue working despite the diagnosis reflects his determination to maintain normalcy during treatment and raises awareness about a disease that continues to challenge medical researchers worldwide.
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