Eric Dane opens up about first ALS symptom he thought was from “texting too much”

When Grey’s Anatomy actor Eric Dane first noticed weakness in his right hand, he assumed it was just fatigue. “I thought maybe I had been texting too much,” he later said in an interview on Good Morning America. What he didn’t know at the time was that this small symptom would lead to a life-changing diagnosis.

Dane, 52, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in April 2024. The progressive neurodegenerative disease affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually leading to muscle weakness and loss of function. According to The ALS Association, there is currently no cure, though treatment and therapy can help manage symptoms.

Speaking to People magazine earlier this year, the actor shared that he was “grateful to have [his] loving family by [his] side as we navigate this next chapter.” His openness about the condition has sparked renewed awareness about early symptoms and the importance of seeking medical advice when something feels off.

Dane recalled that the early signs were subtle. After visiting several specialists, he was eventually referred to a neurologist. “They sent me to another neurologist and said this is way above [his] pay grade,” Dane said, describing a long process that took about nine months before a diagnosis was confirmed.

Life Changes and Family Support

Since the announcement, Dane has continued to appear in public alongside his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13. Recently, he was seen with his family at a sushi restaurant in West Hollywood, wearing a casual black T-shirt and sitting in a wheelchair.

According to Page Six, Dane appeared “in good spirits” during the outing, despite the challenges he faces. His wife, Rebecca, has been candid about how the diagnosis has affected their family. “It’s heartbreaking,” she told People in September. “My girls are really suffering, and we’re just trying to get through it. It’s a tough time.”

Dane’s condition has also impacted his professional life. He was scheduled to join his Grey’s Anatomy co-stars for a reunion at the Emmy Awards but had to withdraw after a fall left him hospitalized. “ALS is a nasty disease,” he told People. “I was in the hospital during the Emmys getting stitches put in my head.”

Eric Dane Facing ALS With Honesty and Strength

The actor has been open about how quickly his symptoms progressed. “I have one functioning arm,” he said in June. “My dominant side is my right—my left side is functioning, my right side has completely stopped working. My left arm is going, and I feel like in a few more months I won’t have my left either.”

Despite these challenges, Dane continues to speak publicly about ALS and the importance of awareness. His willingness to share his experience—without self-pity or exaggeration—has drawn widespread respect from fans and colleagues alike.

ALS remains a rare and devastating illness, affecting approximately 30,000 Americans at any given time, according to The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Early diagnosis and support are key to improving quality of life for those affected.

Eric Dane’s journey since his diagnosis has shown resilience and transparency in the face of uncertainty. While his health has changed, his openness has helped shed light on a disease that often goes unseen until its later stages.

For now, the actor says he is focused on spending time with his family and raising awareness about ALS. His story is a reminder of how fragile, yet resilient, life can be—and how even the smallest symptom can be the beginning of something that calls for courage and care.