Eric Dane's Condition Update: 'Grey's Anatomy' Star Now Receiving 24/7 Intensive Care

Symptoms of ALS began to appear in Eric Dane about a year before his official diagnosis.

Rebecca Gayheart recounted that Dane began experiencing difficulties with his right hand, such as difficulty using chopsticks and dropping food, which raised concerns.

Initially, Dane thought it was simply fatigue or excessive cell phone use, but the symptoms continued to worsen.

After a series of visits to hand specialists and neurologists, the "revelatory" diagnosis of ALS was finally made in April 2025.

The diagnostic process took approximately nine months, demonstrating the complexity and challenges of identifying this progressive neurological disease.

When Dane broke the news of the diagnosis to Gayheart, both were overcome with grief and tears.

Gayheart described the moment as "surreal" because Dane still seemed fine at the time, even though they both knew there was no cure for ALS.

Over time, Eric Dane's condition continued to worsen, consistent with the progressive nature of ALS.

By June 2025, he had completely lost the use of his right arm, and by September 2025, his speech had become slurred. This condition persisted until October 2025, when he began using a wheelchair full-time.

Currently, Eric Dane requires a 24/7 nurse to assist him with daily activities.

Rebecca Gayheart revealed her battle with her insurance company to ensure her husband received proper care, even going through two appeals.

She also often took over care shifts when a nurse was unavailable.

ALS damages motor neurons, causing gradual paralysis of the muscles that control voluntary movement, including the ability to speak, eat, and breathe.

Dane himself admitted that he felt like he "woke up every day and immediately remembered this was happening," and that his left arm was also beginning to weaken.

Although separated in 2017, Rebecca Gayheart and Eric Dane maintain a close relationship for the sake of their two daughters, Billie (15) and Georgia (14).

Gayheart is committed to supporting Dane through his ALS battle, even considering it a powerful "family love."

They have also spoken openly with their daughters about the diagnosis, with the help of a family therapist.

Eric Dane has not only struggled privately but also used his platform as an actor to raise awareness and advocate for ALS research.

He has participated in events supporting the nonprofit organization I AM ALS and launched the "Push for Progress" campaign to push for a $1 billion increase in federal funding for ALS research.

Dane even starred in an episode of the series "Brilliant Minds" as a character with ALS, a role he acknowledged was extremely difficult but crucial for raising public awareness.

Despite facing significant physical challenges, including a fall that ruled him out of the 2025 Emmy Awards, Eric Dane remains determined to continue working and being a father to his children.

He vowed to "fight until his last breath" to see his daughters grow up.