Heartbroken Eric Dane reveals his teenage daughter had to save his life in traumatic incident amid ALS battle
For the first time, Eric Dane publicly addressed his heart-wrenching Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis, a condition that is also recognized by its alternate names of Lou Gehrig’s disease or motor neuron disease.
On Monday, the previous star of Grey’s Anatomy had a chat with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America, and he shared updates about his current health situation.
The 52-year-old actor has shared that he’s experiencing a loss of mobility in his right arm, and it appears that his left arm is also becoming affected.
ALS progressively weakens muscles, affecting a person’s physical function.
Eric remembered a heart-stopping instance where one of his daughters saved him from sinking, an incident that made him acknowledge his inability to swim effectively – a surprising reality for someone who was once a successful competitive swimmer and a prominent figure in polo.
Eric is dad to two daughters with wife Rebecca Gayheart: Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13.
He was having a delightful swim in the sea together with his youngest child, Georgia, when, unexpectedly, he found it difficult to return to the boat.
On that particular day when I leapt into the sea, I soon discovered that I lacked the ability to swim or produce enough strength to return to the boat. At that moment, I found myself thinking, “Oh my goodness,” as Eric remembered it.
‘And then I realized in that moment I’m not safe in the water anymore,’ he said.
Eric explained that his daughter had reeled him in aboard their boat, as she was the one who rescued him from the sea.
Diane asked him about the aftermath of the incident: ‘What did you say to each other?’
He became overwhelmed with emotion and started to cry, ensuring she returned to the water with her companion for their snorkeling adventure. However, his heart was heavy as he shared this.
2018 saw Rebecca initiate a divorce proceeding, which she later withdrew in March 2025; The couple tied the knot back in 2004.
In a heartfelt conversation, I shared that I communicate daily with my partner, Rebecca, and she serves as my pillar of strength as I navigate my journey with ALS.
Or:
In an open discussion, I disclosed that I have regular conversations with Rebecca and rely on her for support during my fight against ALS.
Both sentences convey the same meaning but offer a slight variation in phrasing to maintain naturalness and readability.
I communicate with her daily. Through this regular interaction, our friendship has grown stronger, as well as our shared role as parents. She is undoubtedly my strongest advocate and most reliable supporter. I often rely on her.
Eric revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. There is no cure for the disease.
As a dedicated follower, I’ve come to understand that the typical lifespan after the onset of ALS symptoms is approximately three years. However, there are remarkable individuals who have managed to live with this condition for many decades.
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2025-06-16 20:18