Actor Eric Dane, known for his roles in “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” has revealed that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The 52-year-old actor made the announcement in a statement to People magazine on Thursday, April 10.
“I have been diagnosed with ALS,” Dane said in his statement. “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”
Despite this challenging diagnosis, Dane has confirmed he will continue working and is set to return to the set of HBO’s hit series “Euphoria” next week to begin filming for the long-awaited third season, where he portrays the character Cal Jacobs. The actor expressed that he feels fortunate to be able to continue his professional career despite his health condition and will begin shooting his scenes on April 14, just four days after publicly sharing his diagnosis.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurological disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The condition causes loss of muscle control and worsens over time. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is currently no cure for ALS, though some patients can live for years or even decades after diagnosis.
The news of Dane’s diagnosis comes nearly one month after his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, 53, filed to dismiss their divorce. The couple, who married in 2004, have two teenage daughters together: Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13. Gayheart had initially filed for divorce in 2018 after 14 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.
In a recent interview with E! News on Wednesday, April 9, just one day before news broke about Dane’s condition, Gayheart addressed their relationship status after calling off the divorce.
Gayheart shared that they have become the “best of friends” and “really close” while maintaining their focus on being “great coparents” for their children. She explained that they had figured out the formula to staying a family, which she believes has benefited both their children and themselves.
The actress also reflected on their relationship journey, noting that she doesn’t view their previous separation as a failure. Rather, she sees it as just a season in their lives. Gayheart emphasized that their 15 years together and their two children are markers of a successful relationship, regardless of past difficulties.
Dane and Gayheart have experienced their share of challenges throughout their relationship. In 2007, they faced public scrutiny after a leaked private video, and in 2011, Dane sought treatment for addiction issues. Despite these obstacles, they have maintained a united front in co-parenting their children and have been photographed together on family vacations in recent years.
The third season of “Euphoria” has faced several delays due to various factors, including cast scheduling conflicts, creative differences, the 2023 writers’ strike, and the tragic death of cast member Angus Cloud in July 2023. The new season is expected to premiere in 2026 and will reportedly feature a time jump of approximately five years.
Dane’s character, Cal Jacobs, is the father of the show’s male protagonist, Nate Jacobs. Season 2 concluded with Cal being arrested for his past crimes, and it remains to be seen how his storyline will develop in the upcoming season. In previous interviews, Dane has suggested that his character may have a redemptive arc in the new episodes.
In addition to his work on “Euphoria,” Dane recently wrapped production on the Amazon crime drama series “Countdown.” He is also known for his roles in “The Last Ship” and films such as “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” and “Burlesque.”
Fans hoping to see more of Dane’s work can currently stream the first two seasons of “Euphoria” on Max, where they can watch his portrayal of Cal Jacobs, a complex character with a troubled past.
In his statement about his diagnosis, Dane has requested privacy for himself and his family during this time as they adjust to this new reality and move forward together.
