Eric Dane has revealed he has been diagnosed with ALS, a life-limiting condition.
The 52-year-old actor, best known for his role as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey's Anatomy, confirmed his diagnosis in a statement to People this week.
Dane explained: "I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”
He also revealed that he will be continuing work playing Cal Jacobs on Euphoria’s long-anticipated third season, which finally resumed filming in January, with his shooting schedule set to start on April 14.
“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of EUPHORIA next week,” he shared. “I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), formerly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a neurological disorder that affects motor neurons, the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement and breathing
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, formerly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rare neurodegenerative condition that affects motor neurons, which are the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movement and breathing.
The cause of ALS is unknown, although some cases are hereditary.
According to the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS), early symptoms of the disease include:
- Muscle twitches in the arm, leg, shoulder, or tongue
- Muscle cramps
- Tight and stiff muscles (spasticity)
- Muscle weakness affecting an arm, a leg, or the neck
- Slurred and nasal speech
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
The disease is progressive, meaning muscle weakness and atrophy spreads to other parts of the body, and people with ALS often struggle with chewing food and swallowing (dysphagia), drooling (sialorrhea), speaking or forming words (dysarthria), inability to control emotions, and breathing.
Per the Muscular Dystrophy Association, life expectancy following diagnosis typically ranges from three to five years, though some patients live much longer.
Dane did not disclose when he was diagnosed. He now joins a growing list of well-known figures who have battled the disease, including Stephen Hawking, Roberta Flack, Kenneth Mitchell, Joe Bonsall, Aaron Lazar, Eric Stevens, and John Driskell Hopkins.