At 52, Dane continues to find strength in his family. He expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13. Despite his diagnosis, Dane remains committed to his professional endeavors, stating, "I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to the set [of 'Euphoria'] next week."
ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, disrupts the communication between nerves and muscles, leading to progressive muscle weakness. Early symptoms often include clumsiness, slurred speech, muscle cramps, and involuntary emotional outbursts. The disease typically affects physically active individuals, particularly those with a lean physique or high metabolism. The average survival rate for ALS patients is typically 2 to 4 years after diagnosis, though some, like the late Stephen Hawking, have lived much longer.
Undeterred by his health challenges, Dane is set to begin filming Season 3 of HBO's "Euphoria" on April 14, reprising his role as Cal Jacobs. He expressed his eagerness to return to work, stating, "I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to the set [of 'Euphoria'] next week."
During this challenging time, Dane has requested privacy for his family, emphasizing the importance of support and understanding from fans and the public. He acknowledged the seriousness of ALS, stating, "It's a very serious thing... but it's very real."
Eric Dane's openness about his diagnosis has shed light on the realities of living with ALS, inspiring many with his resilience and determination to continue both personal and professional pursuits.