Eric Dane Opens Up About ALS Diagnosis: 'Not The End of My Story'
Actor Eric Dane, best known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, has given his first television interview since publicly revealing his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in April. The emotional conversation took place with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America, offering a glimpse into Dane's journey and his determination to face the challenges ahead.
In a teaser clip released ahead of the full interview, Dane shared a poignant moment with Sawyer, stating, “I wake up every day and I’m immediately reminded that this is happening. It’s not a dream.” The 30-second preview shows the depth of the conversation, with Dane and Sawyer holding hands and the actor visibly emotional, fighting back tears.
Despite the difficult news, Dane expressed a powerful message of hope and resilience. “I don’t think this is the end of my story. I don’t feel like this is the end of me,” he declared, demonstrating his unwavering spirit in the face of a devastating illness.
ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurological disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, loss of motor function, and eventually, paralysis. The disease is currently incurable.
Dane's initial announcement of his diagnosis came in April, when he released a statement to PEOPLE Magazine. “I have been diagnosed with ALS,” he shared. “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter. 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.”
It remains to be seen if Dane has completed filming his scenes as Cal Jacobs for the upcoming third season of Euphoria. The interview on Good Morning America promises to be a deeply personal and inspiring look at Dane's life as he confronts ALS with courage and determination.
Understanding ALS
- ALS is a progressive neurological disease.
- It affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
- There is currently no cure for ALS.
- Symptoms include muscle weakness, difficulty speaking and swallowing, and paralysis.