Eric Dane Is 'Angry' At His ALS Diagnosis Considering How His Dad Died

Eric Dane is not holding back his feelings about his ongoing battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
The actor expressed dashed hopes about his chances of ever recovering from ALS, predicting something even worse waiting for him at the end of the line.
Eric Dane shared his ALS diagnosis with the world in April after a series of fruitless tests until a neurologist came to his rescue with an accurate diagnosis.
The sickness, which began with the weakness of his left arm, has now reportedly spread to his other arm, with his two lower limbs standing a risk of bowing to the crushing effects of ALS.
He credits a harrowing experience at a recent snorkeling trip where his stability failed him, and his new realization of how bad things have gotten. According to the TV star, he can feel the end coming for his mobility, which is not a pleasant reality for him to imagine.
Dane added that he feels angered about his diagnosis and possible death; he lost his dad at a very young age, and the fact that his kids may suffer the same fate is beyond heartbreaking.
An emotional Dane did not let the weight of the moment get in the way of showering encomiums on his wife, whom he described as his biggest support system in the interview with Good Morning America.
Dane's story left a trail of emotional reactions in its wake. According to a fan, they have never "cried so much in 2 minutes," as another commenter declared, "So heartbreaking!!!"
"Devastating. Live every moment. Go on every trip. Do what you want to do. Live your life to the fullest because it is short," another fan replied in the quotes, urging everyone to take a lesson from the actor's touching story and enjoy life to the fullest.
One more concerned fan empathized with the TV star, admitting that while it is difficult to find the right words to heal his scars, may he find the fastest way to peace, longevity, and an endless flow of support.
However, a fourth commenter chastised the network for its presentation of the actor's story. In their words:
"You make it out to be like this is just about some random guy falling ill and making his best, last testament, but really, this is about an actor being stricken because of the iconicity of the role he played before and the dramatization of the entire journey."
In April, The Blast noted that Dane bore a much more positive outlook on his illness. At the revelation of his diagnosis of the disease, which robs its victims of their ability to eat, speak, walk, and even breathe, the actor assured the public of his resolve to keep going.
"I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter," the 52-year-old said at the time. He also noted that his diagnosis was not an indicator of an early retirement from the hustle and bustle of the movie industry.
He even informed his fans of his return to a popular movie set at the time. "I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to the set of Euphoria next week," Dane shared.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a neurodegenerative disease that impairs communication between nerve cells and muscles, resulting in progressive muscle weakness.
Dane also joined other popular celebrities battling the illness, including Roberta Flack, Stephen Hawking, Aaron Lazar, and the late Kenneth Mitchell.
Dane's ALS diagnosis came months after he laid his 7-year-long divorce process from his estranged wife, Rebecca Gayheart, to rest. Both parties reportedly signed off on dissolving the union after a legal deadline, which could have otherwise led to the case being thrown out.
Gayheart initially filed for divorce in 2018, citing irreconcilable differences in her motion. She also asked the court to grant her joint legal and physical custody of their two kids.
The "Scream" Actress also demanded spousal support. However, things seemingly died down after this filing, which saw them exchange preliminary financial information.
Now, the water of their marriage is under the bridge, and the couple continues to co-parent their bundles of joy with mutual respect and cordiality.
The actor is a proud dad to his two beauties, Billie Beatrice Dane and Georgia Geraldine Dane. He welcomed Billie in 2010 and Georgia in 2011. "I never had a family, and now I do. I know I'm a very lucky guy," the actor told PEOPLE at the time.
While Gayheart was pregnant with Billie, Dane shared that he would be in the labor room, staying close to his then-wife and making sure she was in great condition. Since then, the actor and his estranged wife have gushed about their daughter, who has become a model and dancer.
As for their second daughter, Gayheart described her pregnancy as a breeze compared to the very occupying pregnancy of her first daughter. The actress shared:
"What's made it different is that I'm very focused on Billie ... so I'm not very focused on [the pregnancy]. I'm not as neurotic," she said. "[With Billie] I was micromanaging everything I was eating and every little symptom I was feeling. And this pregnancy, I just know everything's okay."
Years later, Georgia has grown up very interested in athletics. In 2024, the actress uploaded a clip of their daughter strutting her stuff on the court.
Wishing Eric Dane all the relief he can find as he continues to deal with ALS.

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