Hollywood actor Eric Dane has revealed he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disorder. The actor broke the news in a recent interview with PEOPLE magazine. "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.
Dane, who stars as the furtive Cal Jacobs in the hit HBO teen drama Euphoria, is set to reprise his role in the third season of the show in the coming days after repeated delays. He told the publication, “I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week. I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
Fans were quick to react to Dane’s diagnosis, showering love in his latest Instagram post, one user writing, “Sending positive thoughts your way,” while another commented, “Eric your fans are here for you and your family. you’ve got this. You will be in my prayers.”
Dane kickstarted his acting career on television, making his debut in 1991 in the teen sitcom Saved by the Bell. He later went on to secure a recurring role in the fantasy series Charmed, playing businessman Jason Dean. However, the 52-year-old actor truly gained recognition playing plastic surgeon Dr Mark Sloan in hospital drama Grey’s Anatomy. His swooning persona as a lady’s man earned him the nickname “McSteamy” in the show – a title that quickly followed him off-screen.
The actor has also made multiple appearances on the big screen, playing a brief role in Marvel film X-Men: The Last Stand. His film credits also include Marley & Me, Valentine's Day, Burlesque, and Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
Dane tied the knot with American actress and model Rebecca Gayheart, with whom he shares two daughters – Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13. Gayheart had filed for divorce from Dane in 2018 but withdrew the petition last month.
