Eric Dane's Daughters 'Really Suffering' Amid ALS Battle, Wife Says

Rebecca Gayheart says her husband, actor Eric Dane, is facing a devastating ALS diagnosis that is taking a toll on their two daughters. In comments published Saturday by People, the former Beverly Hills, 90210 star described the family’s experience as 'really suffering' and said they are trying to move forward with support from professional therapists.

"I mean, it's heartbreaking," she said. "My girls are really suffering, and we’re just trying to get through it. It’s a tough time."

Gayheart said the family has grown closer in the face of the hardship, but she acknowledged the disease’s heavy emotional toll. ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative condition, has no known cure, and Gayheart emphasized the struggle of watching a loved one cope with the diagnosis while trying to maintain dignity and hope through therapy and support.

Dane publicly revealed his diagnosis in April, 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." He asked for privacy during this time. The couple, who filed for divorce in 2018 and called off the split in March, share two daughters, Billie and Georgia.

In June, Dane sat down with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America to discuss how the aggressive condition has altered his daily life. He described losing function on his right side while his left side remains active, calling his symptoms "sobering" and saying the disease now defines his days. "I have one functioning arm. My dominant side, my left side, is functioning. My right side has completely stopped working," he said. He added that there is a very real chance he could be taken from his girls when they’re very young, a reflection on the gravity of living with ALS and its impact on family dynamics.

Gayheart has spoken publicly about their relationship, saying they are "best of friends" and "great co-parents". She reiterated that they remain close and supportive of one another as they navigate the illness, a sentiment she shared during interviews in the wake of the diagnosis. In the months since the announcement, Dane has been photographed publicly with Janelle Shirtcliff, though representatives have not commented on the outings.

Although the couple briefly filed for divorce in 2018, they called off the split in March. Dane has expressed anger at the prospect of being separated from his daughters at a young age, underscoring the challenging realities ALS presents for families.

The health crisis has prompted the family to emphasize privacy while seeking medical and therapeutic resources. ALS remains a disease with no cure, and doctors continue to encourage comprehensive care, including physical therapy, counseling, and support for loved ones closely involved in the patient’s daily life.