Gray’s Anatomy star Eric Dane, known to millions as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan, was unable to attend this year’s Emmy Awards following a fall connected to his ongoing health condition. The actor, who revealed his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) earlier in 2025, has since become a vocal advocate for awareness and research around the disease.
A Sudden Hospitalization
According to The Washington Post, Dane shared that he sustained a minor injury due to a fall and required stitches while being hospitalized. “ALS is a nasty disease. So I was in the hospital during the Emmys getting stitches put in my head,” he said in the interview.
Although he had planned to join his Gray’s Anatomy co-stars during the Emmys’ 20th anniversary celebration, his health setback prevented him from attending. Dane expressed disappointment at missing the event but emphasized that his focus remains on recovery and continuing his advocacy efforts.
What Is ALS?
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is described by the ALS Association as a rare and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nerve cells responsible for voluntary muscle movement. Over time, it leads to a gradual loss of motor function.
While the disease is currently incurable, ongoing research continues to explore potential therapies and treatment approaches that could slow its progression and improve quality of life for patients.
Support from Colleagues and Fans
During the awards ceremony, Dane’s longtime friend and co-star Jesse Williams offered words of encouragement and admiration. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Williams said, “He’s solid. The man’s just solid, and we have to be careful, you know, as men, to still take care of ourselves. He’s got a perfect balance going.”
The moment served as a reminder of the strong bonds formed among the Gray’s Anatomy cast—relationships that have endured long after the actors left the show. Fans online also expressed love and support for Dane, flooding social media with well wishes and messages of encouragement.
Opening Up About His Diagnosis
When Dane first announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, he admitted it was not an easy decision to make public. “It wasn’t something I ever really wanted to do—it was something I felt like I had to do,” he told The Washington Post. “It was getting increasingly difficult to hide what was going on. And instead of letting people speculate, I just said it.”
Since sharing his condition, Dane has received an overwhelming outpouring of support from fans, colleagues, and organizations focused on neurological research. The actor described this response as one of the most meaningful experiences of his career, adding that it motivated him to use his platform for awareness and advocacy.
A Mission for Awareness and Advocacy
In September 2025, Dane traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with U.S. Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey and members of the nonprofit organization I AM ALS. His goal: to advocate for the renewal of the ACT for ALS, a bipartisan law supporting research, clinical trials, and patient access to emerging treatments.
Representative Eric Swalwell shared a photo on social media following their meeting, emphasizing the importance of federal support for ALS research. “From investing in innovative treatments to ensuring access to quality care, we must do more to support patients, families, and researchers,” Swalwell wrote.
Dane has spoken candidly about the challenges ALS patients face in getting timely diagnoses and access to clinical studies. “It takes all this time for people to be diagnosed, and that delay can prevent them from participating in trials that might help,” he explained.
Family and Resilience
In interviews with People magazine, Dane expressed gratitude for his family’s unwavering support, saying he feels “fortunate” to have loved ones by his side as they navigate this difficult chapter together. The actor, who is a father of two daughters, shared that maintaining a sense of normalcy and optimism has been key to managing his daily life.
“I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter,” he said. “I feel fortunate to still be able to continue working.”
Despite physical challenges, Dane remains committed to his work and has expressed enthusiasm about returning to the set of HBO’s acclaimed series Euphoria, where he portrays Cal Jacobs. Production for the show’s third season is anticipated to resume soon.
A Candid Look at His Condition
In a June interview with journalist Diane Sawyer, Dane opened up further about how ALS has affected his physical abilities. “My left side is functioning, but my right side has completely stopped working,” he said. “I feel like maybe a couple more months and I won’t have my left hand either. It’s sobering.”
His willingness to speak openly about his symptoms has resonated deeply with others facing similar diagnoses. By using his public platform, Dane hopes to reduce stigma, promote empathy, and push for faster medical progress in the fight against ALS.
Community and Public Response
Dane’s advocacy has helped reignite public discussion about ALS awareness, echoing previous efforts sparked by the Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014, which raised millions of dollars for research.
Organizations like I AM ALS and the ALS Association have praised celebrities who use their influence to highlight the need for government action, research funding, and improved patient care programs.
Through his honesty and public outreach, Dane continues to shine a light on the human side of the disease—balancing vulnerability, hope, and determination.
Continuing the Fight
As Eric Dane continues his personal battle with ALS, his focus remains on awareness, progress, and gratitude. His journey serves as a reminder that even amid life’s most difficult moments, strength and purpose can emerge from adversity.
With the support of his family, friends, and fans, Dane has turned his platform into a voice for change—one that encourages compassion, research, and a renewed sense of urgency in the effort to find better treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Sources
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The Washington Post
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Entertainment Tonight
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People Magazine
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ALS Association
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I AM ALS
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U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (Official X/Twitter account)