Eric Dane, best known for playing Mark Sloan in Grey’s Anatomy, has revealed his devastating health diagnosis as he gets back to work on third season of Euphoria
Grey’s Anatomy heartthrob Eric Dane has revealed he is battling Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), just days before returning to set for the hit HBO series Euphoria.
The actor, 52, best known for playing Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan in Grey’s Anatomy, shared the heartbreaking news to PEOPLE . He said his family were his “anchor” during the toughest fight of his life.
ALS, also known as motor neurone disease, is a progressive condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually can lead to respiratory failure. There is currently no cure for the disease.
“I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter,” Dane said, referring to his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters – Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.
The shock diagnosis comes at a time of renewed hope in Dane’s personal life. He and Gayheart recently called off their divorce six years after filing. The pair have been spotted on family holidays and cosy outings, fuelling speculation they have rekindled their marriage.
Despite his diagnosis, Dane is determined not to let the disease stop him.
He said: “I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week.”
The highly anticipated third season of Euphoria began filming this year, and Dane plays troubled dad Cal Jacobs opposite Zendaya’s Emmy-winning performance.
Insiders say producers have rallied around Dane and are adjusting the show’s production schedule to accommodate his health needs. “He’s incredibly committed to the work,” said a source. “The entire cast and crew are behind him.”
ALS, which famously affected theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, typically has a life expectancy of three to five years after diagnosis, though some live much longer. Dane has not shared how long ago he received his diagnosis, but he’s asked for privacy as he focuses on treatment and time with his family.
Most people with ALS only start exhibiting symptoms in their 60s, though in very rare cases the condition can develop in people as young as teenagers.
The early symptoms can include weakness in one limb that then spreads to a different one, or difficulty swallowing, or slurred speech, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Fans across the globe have flooded social media with messages of support for the actor, calling him “brave,” “an inspiration,” and “a real-life hero.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
