In an emotional interview with People, 52-year-old actor Eric Dane opened up about his recent ALS diagnosis – a condition also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, characterized by the gradual degeneration of motor neurons. Dane, who portrays Cal Jacobs on HBO’s popular series 'Euphoria', expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support of his loving family during this difficult time. "I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week," he shared, while requesting privacy for his personal health journey.
Dane’s portrayal of the Jacobs family patriarch resonates with viewers, and he is anticipated to return to filming the show's third season starting next week. Before 'Euphoria', he gained fame as Dr. Mark Sloan on the long-running medical drama 'Grey's Anatomy' and has appeared in myriad roles, including Captain Tom Chandler in 'The Last Ship' and Jason Dean in 'Charmed'. His versatility extends to feature films such as 'Marley & Me', 'Valentine’s Day', and 'Burlesque'.
ALS affects the nerve cells in the brain and spine, resulting in progressive muscle paralysis, and patients may initially experience symptoms like limb weakness or twitching. Sadly, there is no cure, and life expectancy post-diagnosis typically ranges from three to five years, although some individuals may live longer. Despite the daunting statistics surrounding ALS, Dane’s commitment to his craft and gratitude for his family illuminate a path of resilience and hope.
