Actor Eric Dane, who played Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and Carl Jacobs on Euphoria, has revealed he was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Dane is married to actress-model Rebecca Gayheart, with whom he has two daughters, ages 15 and 13.
“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to the set of Euphoria next week,” he said. “I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
What Is ALS?
ALS is a rare neurodegenerative disease caused by the death of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscle movements.
Over time, people with ALS lose their ability to walk, use their hands and arms, speak, chew, and swallow.
ALS is also called Lou Gehrig’s disease because the legendary New York Yankees baseball player was diagnosed with it in 1939 when he was 36; he died two years later.
The disease is progressive, meaning symptoms worsen over time. There is no cure for ALS.
Treatment focuses on maintaining physical function and independence for as long as possible. While medications and other therapies can’t reverse muscle and nerve damage, they can slow the progression of symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce pain.