The actor is concerned about what lies ahead in his health journey, as the symptoms of his condition are known to worsen over time.
Earlier this year, Eric Dane revealed that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of his family. Now, for the first time, the actor is opening up about how the progressive neurological disease has begun to affect his body.
In his first interview about his diagnosis, Dane opened up about the earliest signs that something was wrong. He recalled experiencing weakness in his right hand but initially dismissed it, thinking it might be due to overuse or fatigue from texting.
However, as the weeks went by, the issue worsened. Concerned, he visited a hand specialist, who referred him to another hand specialist. Eventually, he was sent to a neurologist—who, in turn, passed him along to yet another neurologist, admitting, “this is way above my pay grade.”
After nine months of uncertainty, Dane was diagnosed with ALS. “I will never forget those three letters,” he said. “I wake up every day and I’m immediately reminded that this is happening.”
Now a year and a half since his symptoms began, Dane shared that he currently has only one functioning arm. His right arm has lost all mobility, and he feels his left hand weakening as well. He estimates he has only a few more months before it too stops working.
While he can still walk without assistance, he admitted he fears that his legs may be the next to go. Through it all, his family remains at the center of his thoughts. The 52-year-old is married to actress Rebecca Gayheart, and the couple share two daughters: Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.
Although the couple were once separated, they have since grown closer. Dane shared how much he relies on Gayheart during this difficult time, describing her as his biggest supporter. “I talk to her every day,” he said, visibly emotional.
A few months ago, Dane took a boat trip with Geraldine. A competitive swimmer, he jumped into the water expecting to be fine, only to realize he could no longer swim. It was Geraldine who rushed to help him. “She dragged me back to the boat,” he recalled.
When asked what they said to each other in that emotional moment, Dane shared, “I was like breaking down in tears.” Even then, he encouraged his daughter to go back to snorkeling with the guide, not wanting the experience to be marred for her.
Dane also reflected on how he and Gayheart have managed to become better friends and stronger parents through everything. Their relationship dates back to his early years in Hollywood, when he was a young actor trying to find his footing in the industry.
In a reflective moment during the interview, Dane was shown a photo of his younger self. He described that younger version as someone who was outwardly confident but still holding onto deep pain — pain stemming from the loss of his father, who died by suicide when Dane was just seven years old.
Professionally, Dane remains committed to his work. In addition to his role as Cal Jacobs on HBO’s “Euphoria,” he is starring in a new police thriller series titled “Countdown.”
His passion for acting keeps him going, and he’s determined to fight his illness so he can continue doing what he loves. “I don’t think this is the end of my story. I just don’t feel like, in my heart, I don’t feel like this is the end of me,” he said.
Dane added that he’s fighting as much as he can. When asked how much anger he feels toward the illness, he didn’t hold back, “Very,” he said, continuing, “I am angry because, you know, my father was taken from me when I was young, and now, you know, there is a very good chance I am going to be taken from my girls while they’re very young.”
Despite the fear and frustration, Dane remains focused on what matters most. At the end of the day, all he wants is to spend time with his family and, if possible, continue working. He makes it a point to remind his loved ones how much he cares for them every single day.
Longtime fans of the actor have been left emotional by the interview, taking to social media to share their support and heartbreak over his journey. One person wrote a deeply personal message of support, “My heart goes out to Eric and his family. ALS is a horrific disease. My husband passed away from ALS last year at the age of 59😢.”
Another fan expressed sorrow and admiration, “My heart breaks for him 😔 such a genuinely kind and talented guy. wishing nothing but the best for him ❤️.” Someone else reflected on their own painful loss, “This is a terrible disease, it’s heartbreaking, my beloved brother passed at 54 yrs from ALS. 💔.”
And one admirer highlighted Dane’s strength and talent, “He is such an underrated actor and has gone through so much. Life is just not fair, sometimes 😔 Wishing him all the best.”
When the actor first announced his diagnosis, he said he felt fortunate to be able to keep working and expressed excitement about returning to the set of “Euphoria.” He also asked for privacy as he and his family adjusted to the new reality.
Dane, the Jacobs family patriarch on the HBO series, went on set as production for season 3 began on April 14. He is determined to push on, even as he faces the difficult realities of his condition.
ALS gradually attacks the nerve cells responsible for muscle control, leading to progressive paralysis. Early symptoms often include muscle twitching, limb weakness, or changes in speech, eventually impacting a person’s ability to walk, eat, speak, and breathe without assistance.
While there is currently no cure, and the average life expectancy after diagnosis is just a few years, some individuals have lived much longer with the disease.
Eric Dane joins a list of public figures who have also shared their battles with the condition, including Aaron Lazar, John Driskell Hopkins, Eric Stevens, Joe Bonsall, Roberta Flack, Kenneth Mitchell, and the late Stephen Hawking.
