Eric Dane Heartbroken Over ALS Diagnosis, But Putting On Brave Face

Eric Dane’s ALS diagnosis has reportedly taken a significant toll on him since he first disclosed it in April.

Reports claim that the condition is worsening, and the actor has been trying to put on a brave face after coming to terms with the possibility that he could die soon.

Due to the illness, Eric Dane now appears to have lost mobility in his feet, as he was recently spotted in a wheelchair.

Months after Eric Dane shared that he was diagnosed with ALS, a source close to the acclaimed actor has revealed how much of a toll the illness has taken on him.

According to the insider, the diagnosis has been “devastating” for the Grey’s Anatomy star, who has already begun experiencing symptoms of the illness, such as muscle weakness and a decline in physical function.

The actor reportedly struggled to articulate his words and spoke in a gruff voice when a photographer asked: “What would you say to your fans who are hoping everything is okay?”

To this, Dane said, “Keep the faith, man.”

Amid his battle with the disease, the actor has “leaned” on his faith, but even more importantly, he has had his family and friends rally around him to give him hope.

“This diagnosis has been devastating,” the insider told the Daily Mail about Dane’s condition. “And as much as Eric has leaned on his Jewish faith to get through it all, it has been his family and friends that have really stepped up and have made him feel loved.”

Despite the strong support from friends and family, Dane’s health is reportedly “getting worse,” to the point where he has already come to terms with the possibility that his life could end in the near future.

“Eric is trying to put on as much of a brave face as possible because he wants to enjoy what he has now, because he now knows with his full heart that tomorrow isn’t promised,” added the insider.

While the actor also understands that an illness of this nature would take an emotional toll on his loved ones, he doesn’t want them dwelling on it and instead prefers that they live in the moment with him.

“He wants to live life, and he doesn’t want people grieving him or for him while he is going through this terrible disease,” the insider further remarked about Dane. “He just wants the people in his life to be present and as happy as they can be, he wants to always surround himself with positivity, that is a major thing that is driving him nowadays.”

Dane’s ALS diagnosis first made headlines in April when the actor shared the news during an exclusive interview with People Magazine.

“I have been diagnosed with ALS,” he told the outlet. “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”

More details about how the illness has affected him became known in June when the Euphoria star sat down for an interview with Good Morning America.

He shared that prior to his diagnosis, he had noticed some weakness in his right hand but dismissed it as the aftereffects of too much texting or simple hand fatigue.

However, it worsened a few weeks later, which led him to consult a hand specialist. From there, he was referred to several other specialists before he was eventually diagnosed with the rare and incurable disease.

At the time, the actor also revealed that his right arm and hand had lost all mobility, and he worried that his other hand, as well as his legs, might also suffer the same fate.

Sadly, Dane’s worst fears have seemingly materialized, as the illness appears to have affected his legs.

Most recently, he was spotted looking frail in a wheelchair as he exited an airport in Washington, D.C. The wheelchair appeared to be motorized and controlled by the actor, which suggests he still has some control over his left hand for now.

Although the situation now looks grim, the actor has declared that he remains deeply committed to living, especially for the sake of his loved ones.

“I have two daughters at home. I wanna see them graduate college, get married, maybe have grandkids.” Dane said in a TikTok video, which was taken from his meeting on Monday with California Congressman Eric Swalwell, per Entertainment Weekly.

He continued, “I wanna be there for all that. So, I’m gonna fight until the last breath on this one.”