Eric Dane shares the emotional struggle of living with ALS: 'I see no reason to be in good spirits'

Actor Eric Dane has candidly discussed the challenges he faces following his ALS diagnosis, which he disclosed in April. During a Giving Tuesday virtual event, Dane, 53, shared, "I have no reason to feel cheerful at any moment, on any given day. I don't think anyone would blame me if I went to my bedroom, hid under the covers, and spent days crying."

In June, Dane revealed that ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, had left him with only one functioning arm. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, ALS is a fatal motor neuron disease that leads to "progressive deterioration of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain," eventually causing paralysis and difficulties with breathing and swallowing.

Despite the immense difficulties, Dane emphasizes the importance of sharing his journey. "I feel its essential to reach as many people as possible because my life no longer feels solely about me," he explained. Dane, who has a complex relationship with actress Rebecca Gayheart, his wife since 2004, added, "Id like to focus on myself, but I cant. I wouldnt be able to move forward if I did."

Raising awareness about ALS is a priority for Dane. "Its crucial to educate people about ALS and what can be done to fight it and improve the situation," he stated. "The process is challenging, full of obstacles and bureaucracy, but we must push through to develop solutions."

During the discussion, Dane was joined by Michael Grassi, showrunner and executive producer of NBC's Brilliant Minds. Dane had appeared on the shows November 24 episode, portraying a character living with ALS. Grassi praised Dane, saying, "From the start, communication was key. Eric showed up every day, exceeded expectations, and was incredible."

Grassi noted that two of the show's writers had personal experiences with ALS in their families, which influenced their careful approach in writing the story of a firefighter navigating his ALS diagnosis. They aimed to portray the disease authentically without sensationalism.

The performance resonated strongly with the cast and crew. "Ive never seen anything like it," Grassi remarked. "After filming that scene, Eric received an impromptu 10-minute standing ovation. His performance was beautiful, honest, and deeply real."

Author: Sophia Brooks