“I don't think this is the end of my story”: Grey Anatomy’s Eric Dane reveals he has one functioning arm due to ALS

Grey
Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane reveals he has only one functioning arm as ALS progresses (Image via Instagram/@realericdane)

Actor Eric Dane spoke out about his experience with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, which has been affecting his health over time. On Good Morning America, he sat down with Diane Sawyer to go over the changes in his health, the disease that has brought him on, and how he is a different person now.

Dane revealed that ALS has made his body weaker. He explained that his left arm still functions, but his right arm has lost movement. He also said his left arm might stop working within a few months:

"I started experiencing some weakness in my right hand," Eric Dane said in the interview with Good Morning America. "I didn’t really think anything of it at the time. I thought maybe I’d been texting too much or my hand was fatigued, but a few weeks later I noticed it got a little worse. "So I went and saw a hand specialist, who sent me to another hand specialist," Dane added. "I went and saw a neurologist and the neurologist sent me to another neurologist and said, ‘This is way above my pay grade.'"

Dane said he is not giving up even though the disease has taken a physical toll. He does not believe his diagnosis marks the end of his journey. The actor plans to keep fighting and stay involved with his family and career:

"I don't think this is the end of my story," the actor said. "I just don't feel like, in my heart, that this is the end of me. I'm fighting as much as I can. There's so much about it that's out of my control."

He brought up the emotional issues of not being present for his two daughters during their young years. It also brings up his memories of losing his father at seven. Dane is the father of teen girls Billie and Georgia with actress Rebecca Gayheart.


Eric Dane stays committed to work and family amid ALS battle

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It takes away muscle control. Eric Dane noticed his first symptoms as weakness in his hand, but brushed it off at first. The symptoms got worse, and after seeing several doctors, he was diagnosed about nine months later.

Despite ALS progressing, Dane stays dedicated to his job. He plans to come back for the third season of Euphoria. He has spoken about how grateful he feels to keep acting, saying his career is an important part of his life.

Eric Dane talked about his diagnosis with People magazine in April and made more public comments. Back then, he stressed how family support and staying focused mattered a lot. In the new interview, he shared the same idea, keeping a levelheaded yet optimistic attitude even with so much still uncertain.

Love movies? Try our Box Office Game and Movie Grid Game to test your film knowledge and have some fun!

Edited by Amey Mirashi