Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane fights back tears as he discusses heartbreaking ALS diagnosis in first interview
Grey’s Anatomy favorite Eric Dane shocked the world earlier this year when he announced his ALS diagnosis.
But in a new interview, the iconic actor has revealed the nervous system disease will not be the end of him.
52-year-old Dane, who hails from California, is best known for portraying Mark Sloan for six seasons of the ABC TV medical drama, Grey’s Anatomy.
Affectionally known as McSteamy, the actor has gone on to remain in the spotlight, winning roles in the likes of the 2010 rom-com Valentine’s Day, TNT’s The Last Ship and more recently Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
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Earlier this year, Dane confirmed he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal type of motor neuron disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Over the years, the motor neuron disease - known as Lou Gehrig's disease in the United States after the iconic professional baseball player - can lead to muscle weakness and often affects how you speak and breathe.
Announcing his heartbreaking diagnosis in a statement to PEOPLE magazine, Dane said at the time: "I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”
Months on from the initial announcement, and the Charmed actor is ready to open up about his health and life after his diagnosis.
On June 16, an interview conducted by Good Morning America’s Diane Sawyer, 79, is set to be broadcast.
In a teaser for the chat, Dane could be heard telling the broadcaster: "I wake up every day and I'm immediately reminded that this is happening. It’s not a dream.”
Despite dealing with a prevalent health issue, the father-of-two claimed this is not the end of his story.
“I don't feel like this is the end of me,” he said whilst holding back tears.
Previously, Dane has said his struggle wouldn’t stop him from returning to Euphoria as the Jacobs family patriarch, Cal.
The third season of the beloved teen drama went into production earlier this year, with the father-of-two claiming he felt ‘fortunate’ enough to be going back to work on the set.
"I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time,” he added.
The news of Dane’s condition came weeks after his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, dismissed her divorce from the actor.
Gayheart, whom has been married to Dane since 2004, filed for divorce after 14 years of marriage in 2018, citing irreconcilable differences at the time, according to US Weekly.
Before her husband revealed his ALS condition, the Once Upon a Time in Hollywood star told E! News that she and Dane were the ‘best of friends’.
“We are really close. We are great coparents," she said. "We really figured out the formula to staying a family and I think our kids are benefiting greatly from it and we are as well.
“I think it’s important to not look at a relationship that ends as a failure. It’s just a season. It wasn’t a failure. It was a huge success.
“We were married for, I mean, we are still married, but together for 15 years and we had two beautiful kids so I think that’s a successful relationship, and that’s how we look at it.”
Tune into Good Morning America on ABC on Monday, June 16 at 7am to watch Eric Dane’s interview with Diane Sawyer.
Ella Scott