Eric Dane, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in popular television series, has taken a courageous stand in raising awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In a candid segment on “Good Morning America” this past June, Dane shared how the degenerative disease has changed his life. He brought into focus its effects on his family. Since sharing his diagnosis with the world in April 2025, he has used his growing social media influence to raise awareness and fight for a cure.
After his New York Times op-ed, during his interview with Diane Sawyer, Dane shared that he has indeed lost use of his right arm. He expressed concern over the direction of the disease. “I feel like maybe a couple — a few more months, and I won’t have my left hand [functioning] either,” he disclosed. This sobering realization further underscores both the immediacy of ALS and the pace at which the disease is advancing. This progressive neurological disorder destroys the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Dane’s health challenges did not deter him from making a public appearance at the “Countdown” Premiere and After-Party on June 18, 2025, in Los Angeles. He was all but missing from the 77th annual Emmy Awards. He was scheduled to appear alongside fellow actor turned activist Jesse Williams. His absence sparked alarm among fans and colleagues, who worried that he was still struggling with the disease.
As the father of two young children, Dane’s family are central to his motivation as he embarks on this challenging journey. “I’m fighting as much as I can,” he said through the interview, his spirit to rage against ALS and the world clearly evident, so were the impulses to be there for his kids.
To further his advocacy efforts, Dane is participating in a research study and taking medication aimed at slowing ALS’s progression. He posted to Instagram with this great video. This convening was in partnership with I AM ALS, an energetic, patient-led movement headquartered in Washington, D.C. In his message, he proclaimed, “I’m Eric Dane. An actor, a father and now a person living with ALS. For over a century, ALS has been incurable, and we’re done accepting the status quo. We need the fastest path to a cure.”
Dane’s efforts are pivotal in raising public awareness about ALS and the urgent need for research into effective treatments and potential cures. As symptoms progress rapidly, alternative treatments need to be found quickly. As the National Institutes of Health reinforces, the need for action is urgent and increasing.
