The beloved actor shares an emotional moment with Diane Sawyer as he opens up about life after being diagnosed with ALS
Eric Dane, best known for his roles in Euphoria and Grey’s Anatomy, has bravely spoken out for the first time since revealing his devastating ALS diagnosis — and the world is listening.
In a powerful teaser released on Thursday, June 12, the 52-year-old actor appears alongside legendary journalist Diane Sawyer for an emotional sit-down interview set to air on Good Morning America. The segment offers a raw and vulnerable glimpse into Dane’s life as he confronts his reality with grace, strength, and deep emotion.
“I wake up every day and I’m immediately reminded that this is happening,” Dane tells Sawyer, his voice heavy with emotion.
“It’s not a dream.”
The short preview clip shows the two holding hands, sharing an intimate and heartfelt conversation. As the interview progresses, Dane breaks down in tears, showing the world just how deeply this diagnosis has impacted him.
But amidst the tears, there’s hope.
“I don’t think this is the end of my story,” he says, his voice steady despite the weight of his words.
“I don’t feel like this is the end of me.”
Revealing His Diagnosis: “We’re Facing It Together”
Dane first shared his diagnosis with PEOPLE in April, revealing that he has been privately battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — a rare and incurable neurodegenerative disease, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
“I have been diagnosed with ALS,” Dane confirmed.
“I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”
He has requested privacy as he and his loved ones move forward. Eric is married to actress Rebecca Gayheart, and together they are raising two daughters: Billie Beatrice (15) and Georgia Geraldine (13).
What Is ALS? A Silent Thief of Time and Strength
ALS is a progressive condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, slowly robbing the body of its ability to move, speak, eat, and breathe. It typically begins with subtle symptoms — muscle twitching, weakness in a limb, or slurred speech — before accelerating into full-body paralysis.
According to the Mayo Clinic and Muscular Dystrophy Association, there is no known cure, and the average life expectancy after diagnosis is three to five years. Yet, some individuals live much longer — a testament to human resilience and hope.
A Legacy of Strength, Not Surrender
Eric Dane’s bravery in sharing his story publicly reminds us that illness doesn’t define a person — how they face it does.
As fans around the world rally around the actor, his story is already inspiring thousands to learn more about ALS, support research, and never take a single breath for granted.
His words linger:
“This is not the end of my story.”
And millions are hoping he’s right.