Known to millions as Dr. Mark 'McSteamy' Sloan from Grey's Anatomy, Eric Dane has shared news that has taken fans by surprise. The 52-year-old actor has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare and incurable neurodegenerative disease. The announcement comes just weeks after his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, requested to dismiss their divorce after seven years of separation.
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The beloved star, who also appears in the hit series Euphoria, now faces a difficult health journey with the support of his family.
Eric Dane opens up about his ALS diagnosis
Eric Dane revealed his ALS diagnosis in a statement to People magazine. He shared:
I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.
Despite the challenges ahead, Dane remains focused on his work, stating:
I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of ‘Euphoria’ next week.
Dane also requested privacy for his family during this time and added:
I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.
As reported by CNN, ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, progressively affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Dane is expected to return to filming the third season of Euphoria, where he plays Cal Jacobs. His bravery in continuing to work has been praised widely.
As news of Dane's diagnosis spread, many were left wondering about the disease itself and what it entails.
What is ALS?
According to the Mayo Clinic, ALS is a nervous system disease that impacts nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle control loss over time. The disease is fatal and currently has no known cure. Early symptoms include muscle twitching, limb weakness, difficulty swallowing, and slurred speech. As the disease progresses, patients experience paralysis and complications with essential functions like breathing and eating.
ALS can be hereditary, though only about 10% of cases are genetically linked. Risk factors include age, genetics, smoking, and exposure to toxins. The disease is often diagnosed in people between 60 and 85 years of age, and it progresses at different speeds for each individual. Iconic figures like Stephen Hawking and Lou Gehrig have also battled ALS, shedding light on the severity of this condition.
Eric Dane's diagnosis comes shortly after a significant development in his personal life.
Rebecca Gayheart requests to dismiss divorce after seven years
In March 2025, Rebecca Gayheart filed to dismiss her 2018 divorce petition, which she had originally filed citing 'irreconcilable differences.' The couple share two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13.
Speaking to E! News, Gayheart said:
We are best of friends. We are really close. We are great coparents.
We really figured out the formula to staying a family and I think our kids are benefiting greatly from it and we are as well.
She continued:
I think it’s important to not look at a relationship that ends as a failure. It's just a season. It wasn't a failure. It was a huge success.
We were married for, I mean, we are still married, but together for 15 years and we had two beautiful kids so I think that's a successful relationship, and that's how we look at it.
Their relationship has seen its fair share of ups and downs. As reported by Daily Mail, they remained on good terms throughout their separation. In fact there were repeated rumours of reconciliation during this time.
They often went on family trips together, sharing moments from their vacations on social media, which kept fans guessing about their relationship status. During their time apart, both Dane and Gayheart were also linked to other people romantically, adding further speculation about their future together.
Their marriage has also faced controversy in the past. In 2009, the couple made headlines when a nude video of them with former Miss Teen USA Kari Ann Peniche surfaced online. Reflecting on the scandal, Dane told E! News:
Three consenting adults, one of them being my wife? I wasn't doing anything wrong.
He added:
I didn't regret it, I have no regrets nor do I make any apologies for my life experience. It's my life experience and I'm at peace with all of it.
Fans have watched the couple's journey unfold over the years, and Dane's diagnosis has brought renewed focus on their bond as a family.
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Sources used:
CNN: Eric Dane shares that he has been diagnosed with ALS
Page Six: 'Grey's Anatomy' alum Eric Dane announces ALS diagnosis after calling off divorce from Rebecca Gayheart
Daily Mail: Rebecca Gayheart shares update on Eric Dane marriage as he grapples with ALS diagnosis
E! News: Rebecca Gayheart Shares Update on Eric Dane Relationship After Dismissing Divorce
