Eric Dane is experiencing a gradual loss of motor function due to his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The former “Grey’s Anatomy” actor shared his journey for the first time since his diagnosis in an interview with Diane Sawyer on “Good Morning America.”
“I have one working arm,” he mentioned, explaining that while his left side is functional, his right side no longer works.
The 52-year-old star of “Euphoria” anticipates that he may only have a few months left with the use of his left arm and hands.
“It’s calming down,” he shared, expressing concern about potentially losing the use of his legs as well.
Dane reminisced about the initial signs of his condition, noting he felt weakness in his right hand.
“I wasn’t really thinking about it at first,” he recalled. “I figured maybe I was just using my hands too much or something, but it started to get worse after a few weeks.”
After visiting several hand specialists and neurologists for nine months, he received the ALS diagnosis.
“I will never forget those three letters,” he quipped about the disease. “It felt like waking up for the second time.”
When things get overwhelming, he often turns to his wife, Rebecca Gayhart.
The couple, who separated in 2018, recently decided against divorce a few weeks after his diagnosis. They have two daughters together, Billy, 15, and Georgia, 13.
“I call Rebecca. We talk every day,” he shared, struggling to hold back tears. “We’ve turned into better friends and parents. She’s my biggest supporter.”
Despite the challenges, Dane remains hopeful. “I don’t think this is the end of my story,” he said, fighting back tears. “I’m doing everything I can.”
However, he admits that he feels he has “no control” over this illness.
“I feel angry… because there’s a strong chance my daughters will lose me while they’re still very young,” he said, reflecting on what could happen.
Dane disclosed his ALS diagnosis in April. This neurological condition affects neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a loss of muscle control, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Currently, there are no known effective treatments for ALS.
