The 52-year-old actor, who revealed his diagnosis in April, sat down with Diane Sawyer for his first on-camera discussion about living with the disease.
Former “Grey’s Anatomy” star Eric Dane will speak publicly for the first time about his battle with ALS in a television interview airing Monday on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
The 52-year-old actor, who revealed his diagnosis in April, sat down with Diane Sawyer for what marks his first on-camera discussion about living with the degenerative neurological disorder. “Good Morning America” shared an emotional preview ahead of the interview, set to air Monday.
“I wake up every day and I’m immediately reminded that this is happening,” Dane told Sawyer in the clip released by ABC. “It’s not a dream.”
Despite the challenges posed by his diagnosis, Dane expressed an optimistic outlook during the interview. “I don’t think this is the end of my story,” he said. “I don’t feel like this is the end of me.”
Dane first disclosed his ALS diagnosis to People magazine in April, saying he felt “grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.” The actor, who is married to Rebecca Gayheart and has two daughters, ages 15 and 13, said at the time he felt “fortunate” to continue working.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. According to the National Institutes of Health, the disease causes motor neurons to deteriorate, leading to muscle weakness and eventual paralysis. There is currently no cure for ALS, though some treatments may slow progression and improve quality of life.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that people with ALS typically live three to five years after symptoms develop, with younger patients generally living slightly longer.
Dane rose to fame playing Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” for six seasons. More recently, he has portrayed Cal Jacobs on HBO’s “Euphoria” and plans to return for the show’s third season.
The full interview with Sawyer will air Monday on “Good Morning America” at 7 a.m. ET.