Eric Dane’s health has taken a heartbreaking turn, with new reports claiming the actor now relies on a wheelchair and is struggling to speak as ALS continues to ravage his body.
The 52-year-old Grey’s Anatomy star was spotted looking frail at a Washington, D.C. airport, being pushed by an aide, sparking renewed concern from fans. Dane, who revealed his ALS diagnosis in April, previously admitted he was “worried about my legs.” When asked by a photographer how his fans should respond, he managed to say in a gruff voice, “Keep the faith, man.”
Friends say the once-vibrant actor has been leaning on both his Jewish faith and the love of family and friends to get through the ordeal. “This diagnosis has been devastating,” a source told the Daily Mail. “It just keeps getting worse and is very sad, but Eric is trying to put on a brave face. He wants to live life and surround himself with positivity because tomorrow isn’t promised.”
The disease has progressed rapidly. In June, Dane revealed he had only “one functioning arm,” explaining that his right side had completely stopped working. “It’s sobering,” he admitted, fearing it was only a matter of months before his left hand would fail as well.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is an incurable neurological condition that weakens muscles and affects mobility. It has claimed the lives of Sandra Bullock’s longtime partner Bryan Randall, SpongeBob creator Stephen Hillenburg, and many others. Famed physicist Stephen Hawking defied the odds by living decades with ALS before passing away in 2018.
Despite his health struggles, Dane has been trying to stay positive. He was last seen walking on September 16, but his mobility has since declined. His announcement came soon after he and his estranged wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, 54, decided to call off their divorce after seven years apart. The pair share two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13.