'Euphoria' Star Eric Dane Shares Heartbreaking News About His Health
Television viewers know Eric Dane as Mark "McSteamy" Sloan on Grey's Anatomy and Cal Jacobs on Euphoria, but now, the 52-year-old actor is facing the biggest challenge of his life.
On April 10, Dane revealed to People that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. "I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter," he told the media outlet.
Dane is married to actress Rebecca Gayheart, and they share two children, daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13. While there is currently no cure for ALS, Dane plans on working for as long as he is capable.
“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to the set of Euphoria next week,” he added. “I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.” The cast and crew of the HBO series will return to work on April 14 for the third season.
Other celebrities who have been diagnosed with ALS include singer Roberta Flack, actor David Niven, NFL player Steve Gleason, and physicality Stephen Hawking.
The ALS Association describes the disease as a "progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord." Symptoms often "begin in the muscles that control speech and swallowing or in the hands, arms, legs or feet" — although each case is considered unique and might not follow that pattern.
The ALS Association also notes that in 90% of the cases, "there’s no known family history of the disease." The average life expectancy for a person with ALS is two to five years.
Related: ‘Unsatisfied’ Stars and Network Reportedly Led to ‘Euphoria’ Season Three Delay