When was Eric Dane diagnosed with ALS? Timeline of his health battle

Eric Dane An insight into the progression of his ALS diagnosis before his death at age 53.

Dane revealed his health battle in April 2025. ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosisa neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and has no cure.

“I didn’t really think about it at the time; I thought maybe I was texting too much and my hands were tired,” he recalled months later good morning america. “After a few weeks, I noticed it was getting worse. I saw a hand specialist, who sent me to another hand specialist. I saw a neurologist, who sent me to another neurologist and said, ‘This is well above my pay grade.'”

Dane spent nine months officially diagnosed. Dane revealed General Motors Association He lost the use of his right arm, adding, “I thought maybe in a few months I would lose the use of my left hand as well.”

Dane has two daughters with him Rebecca Gayheartstill focused on spending time with loved ones. He uses his platform to raise awareness about ALS while Keep booking acting roles.

“I’m not going to give up on my goals because of a disease. I just don’t have the ability to do it,” he explained during a December 2025 panel discussion. “I had no reason to be in good spirits at any time, on any day. If I went up to my bedroom, crawled under the sheets and cried for the next two weeks, I don’t think anyone would blame me. When I realized that I wasn’t like that, I was kind of pleasantly surprised because I thought about how it must have been me.”

He added, “I think I have to share my journey with as many people as possible because I feel like my life is not my own anymore.”

Dane passed away in February 2026 at the age of 53. Keep scrolling to see a timeline of his battle with ALS:

April 2025

Eric Dane confirmed his diagnosis shortly before Euphoria was scheduled to begin filming, writing in a statement: “I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we begin this new chapter. I am blessed to be able to continue working and look forward to returning to the set of Euphoria next week. I ask that you please allow me and my family privacy during this time.”

June 2025

Prime Video releases first season Eric Dane’s Show Countdownco-starring Jensen Ackles/Jessica Camacho/Violet Bean/Elliot Knight and Uli Ratukov. Dane plays an FBI agent in the series, which will be filmed in September 2024.

His co-star Ackles later weighed in on the possibility of the show returning for more episodes amid Dane’s health struggles, but the show was ultimately canceled.

“Obviously, he’s dealing with what he’s dealing with. I check in on him frequently and let him know if he needs any help from me, I’m there,” Ackles told Men’s Health in July 2025. “He’s very grateful, but he’s already surrounded himself with the right people, which is important when you’re going through something like this.”

He continued: “I had one of the best times we had on this show. Eric was a complete professional. He was a television icon.”

June 2025

sit down with Diane Sawyer for good morning americaEric Dane talks about how he lives with an incurable disease. Dane confirmed he is taking medication to treat his symptoms and is participating in a study.

“I’m hopeful. I don’t think this is the end of my story. I’m resilient,” he said. “I just don’t feel in my heart that this is the end for me.”

September 2025

Eric Dane demonstrated the rapid progression of his disease in an I AM ALS video in which he spoke slowly and had a slight lisp. The organization noted that Dane’s speech and involuntary twitching were symptoms of ALS.

September 2025

Eric Dane has given an update on his health after skipping the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards. previous Grey’s Anatomy supporting role Jesse Williams.

“ALS is a nasty disease…so I was in the hospital during the Emmys and had stitches in my head,” Dane told The Washington Post , revealing he lost his balance and fell before the show. “I missed an opportunity that I was really looking forward to. It would have been great to see Jesse and reunite with some of my colleagues and be able to show it off in front of my colleagues, which I think would have been a special moment. So I’m very bummed about it, but you know, there’s nothing I can do about it.”

October 2025

In a rare public appearance, Eric Dane was spotted using a wheelchair at the Washington, D.C., airport

November 2025

Eric Dane made a cameo after his diagnosis smart mind As a fictional firefighter, he is dealing with the side effects of ALS – something he has yet to share with his family.

January 2026

A month before his death, Eric Dane missed scheduled appearances due to challenges related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

“ALS Network has learned that Eric Dane had hoped to join us tonight to accept his Advocate of the Year award, but due to his medical condition with ALS, he is not medically able to attend,” a spokesperson for ALS Network shared at the time. “We remain deeply grateful for his courage, advocacy and continued commitment to the ALS community, and tonight we extend our deep respect and support to him.”

February 2026

Eric Dane dies at 53, family confirms After battling ALS.

“He spent his final days surrounded by his dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” the statement read. “Throughout his ALS journey, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same battle. He will be deeply missed and forever missed.”

The statement concluded: “Eric adores his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he has received. The family asks for privacy as they work through this difficult time.”