Eric Dane Speaks Out About ALS in Emotional New Video

Hollywood star Eric Dane stunned fans on September 15, 2025, with a heartfelt Instagram video about his partnership with the I Am ALS organization. Viewers immediately noticed changes in his speech and movements, expressing concern over his “slurred” voice and “twitching” muscles.

His video came after missing the 2025 Emmy Awards and months following his public ALS diagnosis in a Good Morning America interview.

Advocating for ALS Research

In the video, Dane sits calmly against a softly lit backdrop, wearing a navy blue I Am ALS T-shirt. He introduces himself:

“I’m Eric. An actor, a father, and now a person living with ALS.”

He stresses urgency:

“For over a century, ALS has been incurable, and we’re done accepting the status quo.”

Dane highlighted Push for Progress, a bold initiative by I Am ALS aiming to raise $1 billion in three years. The campaign seeks to accelerate research, expand treatment access, and renew landmark legislation for ALS.

“We have to do it now,” Dane urged, turning advocacy into a personal mission.

Emmy Awards Absence
Dane’s video followed his unexpected absence from the 2025 Emmys, where he was slated to appear alongside “Grey’s Anatomy” co-star Jesse Williams. The pair were to celebrate the show’s 20th anniversary and present an award. Dane’s withdrawal led to the tribute being canceled.

No official reason was shared, but Williams went on to present solo, according to producer Jesse Collins.

Opening Up About ALS
Dane revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, describing the support of his wife Rebecca Gayheart and their teenage daughters. Despite his diagnosis, he remained committed to work:

“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to the set of ‘Euphoria’ next week.”

Later, he gave an emotional interview with Diane Sawyer, sharing the earliest signs of ALS — weakness in his right hand — and his journey through specialists before the diagnosis.

Personal Struggles and Family Moments
Dane recounted a recent boating incident where he could no longer swim. His youngest daughter saved him, leaving him “heartbroken” but determined to let her enjoy the day. He praised his wife’s support, noting their bond had strengthened:

“We have managed to become better friends and better parents.”

He reflected on his early grief from losing his father and admitted ALS had stirred anger and fear:

“All I want to do is spend time with my family and work a little if I can.”

Fighting Back and Staying Active
Despite his prognosis, Dane remains resilient:

“I don’t think this is the end of my story. I’m fighting as much as I can.”

He continues acting, calling it a lifeline and source of purpose. On the set of the new Amazon MGM Studios thriller, he says,

“It keeps me sharp. It keeps me moving forward, which is super important right now.”

A Symbol of Strength
Today, Dane is more than a Hollywood heartthrob. He is a fighter, father, advocate, and symbol of resilience. He continues to live fully, inspire fans, and push for ALS awareness, showing the world that courage and purpose can thrive even in the face of life-altering challenges.