Eric Dane was unable to attend the Champions for Cures and Care Gala on Saturday because he is battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The actor, age 53, received the Advocate of the Year Award from the ALS Network at their yearly event in Pasadena, California.
He was unable to attend the ceremony to accept the award because of the challenges caused by his declining health.
According to a statement from The ALS Network shared with The Hollywood Reporter, Eric Dane was planning to accept their Advocate of the Year Award tonight, but is unable to attend due to the challenges he’s facing with ALS.
We are incredibly thankful for his bravery, his tireless support for those affected by ALS, and his ongoing dedication to the community. Tonight, we recognize him with our deepest respect and full support. Broadway actor and Grammy nominee Aaron Lazar will accept the award in his place.
The organization announced in September that Dane would be the recipient of the award.
Eric’s work as an advocate has raised global awareness of ALS and supported @youralsnetwork in their vital efforts to offer care, support, and hope to families affected by the disease.
‘Thank you, Eric, for your leadership and compassion!’
The former Grey’s Anatomy star said receiving the award felt like more than just an honor. It showed how much they admired the strength and bravery of people living with ALS.
He shared in April 2025 that he has a condition that gradually weakens muscles and makes it harder to move.
Just one month after deciding to end their divorce, despite no longer being a couple, he revealed his diagnosis with ALS.
They share daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14.
In December the longtime performer shared plans to release a memoir.
He is writing a memoir titled Book of Days, which will be published by The Open Field, an imprint of Penguin Random House, curated by Maria Shriver.
Dane plans to share the most meaningful moments of his life, including the births of his daughters, his time working on Grey’s Anatomy, achieving sobriety, and the day he learned he had ALS.
In 2018, Gayheart filed for divorce from her husband after 14 years together, stating they had differences that couldn’t be resolved.
But in early 2025 the pair quietly called off the divorce.
In a personal essay for The Cut last December, Gayheart described her relationship with him, clarifying that her feelings are not romantic, but rather like those she has for family.
She added that she is trying to do her best by him amid his health issues.
The actress shared that she and her husband had a wonderful 15-year marriage and were proud parents to two daughters.
Our relationship had a lot of difficult times, and things weren’t healthy. We separated, and even started the process of getting a divorce, but ultimately decided against it. We’ve been living separately for eight years now, and we’ve both been seeing other people.
‘It’s a very complicated relationship, one that’s confusing for people,’ she acknowledged.
Gayheart added that she ‘shows up’ for Dane to make his health journey ‘easier.’
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2026-01-26 00:03