Eric Dane was poised for a significant comeback at the 2025 Emmys, where he was scheduled to reunite with his Grey’s Anatomy castmates for the show’s 20th anniversary. However, when the event began, “McSteamy” was noticeably absent. The reason? The relentless disease he has bravely been battling: ALS.
Just days before the ceremony, the 52-year-old actor experienced a fall at home—a harsh consequence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurological condition that impairs muscle control. He was hospitalized and required stitches, forcing him to miss what he described as a moment he had been “really looking forward to.”
Fans remember Dane best as the charming Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and for his praised performance in Euphoria. In April 2025, he made a heartbreaking announcement: “I have been diagnosed with ALS,” he shared with People magazine. He expressed gratitude to his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie and Georgia, for their steadfast support, while asking for privacy as they navigate this difficult journey together.
ALS is a cruel disease, progressively robbing those affected of their ability to move, speak, and eventually breathe. While many survive only a few years post-diagnosis, some—like the late Stephen Hawking—defy the odds and live for decades.
