When was Eric Dane diagnosed with ALS? Actor skips Emmys 2025 amid health concerns

Eric Dane missed his scheduled appearance at the 2025 Emmy Awards as he continues to battle ALS. The 52-year-old was set to present an award on September 14, 2025, and take part in a special tribute celebrating Grey’s Anatomy’s 20th anniversary. In his absence, the award was presented by his co-star Jesse Williams at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, according to E! News.

Eric Dane’s absence comes after he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in April this year. In an exclusive interview, he told People magazine at that time:

“I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter. I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week. I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”

Continue to read more about his health struggles.

What did Eric Dane say about his diagnosis with ALS back in June?

In June 2025, Eric Dane shared in an emotional interview with Good Morning America’s Diane Sawyer that he is gradually losing the use of his limbs due to the disease. He told her:

“I have one functioning arm. My dominant side. My left side is functioning, my right side has completely stopped working. It's going. I feel like maybe a couple, few more months, and I won't have my left hand either. It's sobering.”

He added that although he can walk now, he is worried about his legs next.

Dane revealed that he has no plans to quit his acting career due to his battle with the rare disease. During an interview with E! News’ Francesca Amiker,

“I'm going to ride this till the wheels fall off. It keeps me sharp. It keeps me moving forward, which is super important right now. I feel great when I'm at work. Of course, there have been some sort of setbacks, but I feel pretty good. My spirit is always pretty buoyant, so at the end of the day, that's all that matters.”

Eric Dane was seen alongside Jensen Ackles and Jessica Camacho in the TV series, Countdown, which premiered on Prime Video in June 2025. The show is about a task force investigating the murder of a Department of Homeland Security officer.

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He returned to filming season 3 of Euphoria just four days after publicly sharing his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. His commitment to his role amid his diagnosis is a testament to his determination and resilience.

Eric Dane is still legally married to Rebecca Gayheart. The two wed in 2004 and share daughters – Billie and Georgia. Although Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, citing irreconcilable differences, she dismissed her petition, signalling she has reconciled with Dane in the light of his ALS diagnosis.

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