Beloved ABC Star Breaks Silence on Heartbreaking Terminal Diagnosis

The world of television has given us unforgettable characters, iconic performances, and the kind of drama that stays with us long after the screen goes dark. For many, the emotional rollercoaster that is Grey’s Anatomy will forever hold a special place in their hearts.

It’s a show that’s woven itself into the fabric of pop culture, with its unforgettable storylines and unforgettable faces, including that of Dr. Mark Sloan, played by none other than Eric Dane.

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When Grey’s Anatomy premiered in 2005, Shonda Rhimes introduced the world to a gripping medical drama that delved into the lives of Seattle Grace Hospital’s surgeons. With stars like Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey, Sandra Oh, and Chandra Wilson leading the cast, it was clear this show was going to make a mark.

But when Eric Dane’s Dr. Mark Sloan, or “McSteamy,” joined in Season 2, fans found themselves drawn not just to the complex character, but to his undeniable charisma.

Mark Sloan was only meant to appear in a few episodes, but his popularity skyrocketed, and he quickly became a mainstay on the show until his character was killed off at the start of Season 9.

Though the Grey’s Anatomy fans will always remember Eric Dane for his role as Dr. Sloan, the actor’s career didn’t stop there. He also took on the role of Cal Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria, one of the most talked-about shows in recent years.

In this series, Dane plays the complicated and often cruel patriarch of the Jacobs family, a man who has everyone around him fooled but whose actions behind closed doors reveal the dark side of power and influence.

But, despite his professional success, the 52-year-old actor is now facing a deeply personal and heartbreaking struggle. In a brave and emotional reveal, Eric Dane has shared that he has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

This shocking news comes as a blow not just to his fans, but to those who know him personally.

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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Dane opened up about his diagnosis, and his words are a testament to his strength and grace in the face of such devastating news.

“I have been diagnosed with ALS,” he shares. “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.” 

The actor, 52, is married to Rebecca Gayheart and the couple share two children, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.

“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week,” he tells PEOPLE. “I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”

ALS is a debilitating and fatal disease that causes the degeneration of motor neurons, leading to the loss of muscle control. Over time, ALS makes it difficult for individuals to walk, talk, eat, and eventually breathe on their own. Sadly, there is no cure, and most people diagnosed with ALS live only two to five years after diagnosis. While approximately 10% of those diagnosed may live for 10 years or more, only a small fraction survives for 20 years.

As we follow Eric Dane’s journey, it’s impossible not to feel moved by his strength and his ability to keep moving forward despite the challenges ahead. The Euphoria star’s candidness has made a deep impact on his fans and peers alike, who continue to send him their support.

During this time, let’s keep Eric Dane and his family in our thoughts and prayers. If you would like to help fund research into a cure for ALS, please visit the ALS Association’s website to contribute.