This week, actor Eric Dane shared some heartbreaking news with the world. In a statement he released to People, Eric revealed that he has been diagnosed with ALS – or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is also known as Lou Gherig’s disease. Now that the news is out, he’s asking that he and his family have privacy as they navigate this difficult time.
The 52-year-old actor, who is best known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, shared his diagnosis on Thursday, telling People, “I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”
Despite his new health challenge, when Euphoria begins filming this month, Eric, who plays Nate’s dad, Cal Jacobs, confirmed he will be on set to shoot the HBO series’ third (and possibly final) season.
“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week,” his statement continued. “I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, ALS is a progressive disease of the nervous system that begins with symptoms like muscle weakness and twitching, eventually causing loss of muscle control. There is no cure for ALS, and although it can be genetic, in most cases, the cause of the disease is unknown.
Eric’s news comes one month after wife Rebecca Gayheart filed to dismiss their divorce. Though the couple originally split in 2018, they never made their breakup a legal one. On Wednesday, Rebecca told E! News that she and Eric are “the best of friends.”
“We are really close. We are great coparents. I think it’s important to not look at a relationship that ends as a failure,” she said. “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.”
The couple have two children, 15-year-old Billie and 13-year-old Georgia.
