For Eric Dane, the fight against ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) is more than just a personal one. It’s a challenging, all-encompassing journey where he faces the truth with an open heart, resilience and a willingness to try anything – including experimental treatments – to keep hope alive.
In an emotional interview with Diane Sawyer that aired on Good Morning America on June 17, the 52-year-old actor – best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy – spoke publicly for the first time about his journey since being diagnosed with ALS.
“I’d fly to Germany and… eat a rattlesnake’s head if it would help,” Dane said, half-jokingly, but with determination.
Hope from science and humanity
Despite facing a disease that currently has no cure, Dane remains optimistic.
“I’m still very hopeful… I don’t think this is the end of my story. And whether it is or not, I’m going to keep that faith,” he said.
That faith was fueled by Dr. Merit Cudkowicz – a leading neurologist and ALS researcher – who instilled in Dane an optimism he hadn’t found in his previous doctors.
“Meeting her gave me a real sense of hope,” he said.
For his part, Dr. Cudkowicz said the research world is entering its most promising phase yet:
“I’m really excited about new imaging and artificial intelligence. I think breakthrough treatments will be available in the next year or two – if not sooner.”
According to the CDC, more than 5,000 people are diagnosed with ALS each year in the United States.
Three Letters That Changed Everything
Dane says the first sign he noticed was a sudden weakness in his right hand – at first he thought he was just texting too much. But a few weeks later, things got worse. After a series of visits and referrals from doctor to doctor, he was officially diagnosed with ALS.
“I’ll never forget those three letters: A-L-S. They haunt me from the moment I open my eyes every morning. This is not a dream.”
Dane’s right arm is now completely gone, and his left is also weakening.
“In a few months, I might not be able to use my left hand anymore,” he says, his voice low with grim reality.
No backing down – in career or life
Despite his progress, Dane has no plans to stop acting.
“I’m going to keep going until the last wheel falls off,” he says in an exclusive interview with E! News, alongside his new Countdown co-star Jensen Ackles.
“Work keeps me sane. It keeps me moving forward, which is really important right now.”
Despite his downtime and slow-downs, Dane tries to stay positive:
“I feel great when I’m working. My spirits are up – and that’s the most important thing.”
Eric Dane and his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, have two daughters together: Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13. He says his illness makes time with his family incredibly precious – and it’s that love that keeps him going and not giving up.
