Eric Dane diagnosed with ALS as wife Rebecca Gayheart says family coping day by day

Actor Eric Dane has disclosed that he has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, in a statement to People magazine. The 52-year-old actor, known for his roles on Euphoria and Grey's Anatomy, said he is grateful to have his loving family by his side as they navigate this new chapter and that he hopes to continue working. He said he is preparing to return to the set of Euphoria soon and asked for privacy as his family adjusts to the diagnosis.

Rebecca Gayheart, 54, described the impact of the news on their two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, saying the family is taking it day by day. She said they are receiving professional therapy and support to help them cope with the emotional toll, stressing that their priority is maintaining dignity, grace and love as they face an uncertain road ahead. The couple has a long public history, including a marriage in 2004 and a divorce filing in 2018 that Gayheart later moved to dismiss; they have said they remain deeply connected as a family and co-parents.

Gayheart has described their ongoing relationship as a strong, supportive bond. In interviews, she has said they are best of friends and provide a stable framework for their children, noting that the family remains close even if the romantic relationship shifted years ago. She added that the decision to dismiss the divorce filing reflects a focus on family continuity and parenting, not a retreat from commitment to one another. The children have been a central part of their lives as they navigate the diagnosis and its implications for the household.

Dane confirmed the diagnosis to People a day after Gayheart’s public remarks and has said he intends to continue working while receiving treatment. He is set to reprise his role as Cal Jacobs, the father of Jacob Elordi’s Nate Jacobs, on Season 3 of the HBO drama Euphoria. After delays, Dane began filming scenes on April 14, and a spokesperson indicated he would be staying engaged with his character as production progresses. The actor also posted about his health to his social media audience, emphasizing a continued commitment to his family and to fans.

Gayheart’s public comments on the family’s situation followed Dane’s disclosure, and she conveyed a message of resilience on social media. She shared a photo of herself with their daughters and wrote about holding onto the girls and loving them through the difficult period, underscoring the sense of unity they aim to preserve as they adjust to the reality of ALS.

In the weeks that followed, Dane’s absence from the 2025 Emmy Awards drew attention to the seriousness of his condition. He later appeared in a video on Instagram to promote a new campaign aimed at advancing ALS research and treatment. In the clip, he described himself as a husband, father and person living with ALS and called for renewed momentum toward a cure, while highlighting his partnership with I AM ALS on the Push for Progress campaign. The video showed the physical realities of ALS, including slowed speech and visible motor challenges, but also a determination to keep moving forward and to rally support for progress.

Dane’s broader advocacy has framed his public narrative since the diagnosis. He has expressed gratitude for his family’s presence and emphasized that the search for treatments and a cure remains urgent. He called for policy and funding initiatives to accelerate research, including renewed support for legislation like ACT for ALS and a sustainable funding pathway to drive breakthroughs in the near term. His remarks also highlighted the importance of patient access to experimental therapies and clinical trials as researchers push toward new options for people living with ALS.

ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually weakening muscles and impairing physical function. Experts emphasize that the disease varies by patient, with some experiencing rapid decline and others maintaining function longer with supportive care. There is currently no cure, and researchers continue to study potential therapies, vaccines and approaches that could slow progression or improve quality of life.

As Dane and Gayheart navigate the coming months, the family has repeatedly underscored the importance of privacy and dignity while remaining committed to their children’s well-being and to broader efforts to change the trajectory of ALS. Health researchers, patient advocates and fans alike will be watching closely for updates on his treatment, participating in fundraisers, and tracking the impact of public awareness campaigns aimed at accelerating research and policy action to speed a cure.