Eric Dane, 52, Shares New Video Following His Absence From the 2025 Emmys
Fans are devastated by Hollywood star Eric Dane’s “slurred” speech and “twitching” muscles after he dazzles them with his appearance in an ALS video.
Hollywood actor Eric Dane discussed his collaboration with the I Am ALS organization in an Instagram video posted on September 15, 2025.
Following his absence from this year’s Emmys and months after he revealed his diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in a June “Good Morning America” (“GMA”) interview, his appearance prompted a barrage of criticism from worried internet users.
Fast-tracked outcomes and Eric Dane’s advocacy for ALS research
In the video, Dane sits quietly in front of a softly lit backdrop and delivers his statement with quiet conviction. “I am Eric,” he says simply, sporting a navy blue “I Am ALS” T-shirt. A father, an actor, and now someone with ALS. His comments have a sense of urgency and resistance from the very beginning.
“For over a century, ALS has been incurable, and we’re done accepting the status quo,” says the actor. He talks enthusiastically about “Push for Progress,” an ambitious campaign by I Am ALS to raise $1 billion in only three years. The goal is to extend the disease’s historic law, increase access to treatment, and speed up research.
He urges people to take action with conviction, saying, “We have to do it now.” According to the organization, the campaign is a “groundbreaking” initiative that occurs at a critical time when potentially life-saving therapies are within reach.
More than just lobbying, Dane’s appeal is a call to action, a personal mission, and a potent reminder of the issues involved.
Social media was inundated with viewers’ emotional responses when the video was released, as they were quick to voice their concerns. Many others used the comment section to discuss the vocal and physical changes they had observed in Dane.
“His Voice Is Going”: Eric Dane’s ALS Progression Leaves Fans Heartbroken
Since I acknowledge that I don’t know much about ALS, could someone please tell me if Eric’s speech discrepancy is a factor in the diagnosis? His voice sounds slurred, as like he’s having trouble speaking. One spectator said, “It’s heartbreaking to see how quickly he has changed for the worse [sic].”
“I can hear his voice,” said another, echoing that sentiment. He’s already struggling to speak. “his [sic] speechðŸ˜,” others added. One commenter said, “I can hear @realericdane losing his voice a little bit 😢 [sic].” Others concentrated on outward manifestations of physical stress.
“You can see his muscles twitching on his arms,” one person wrote. “You can see his arm twitching [sic],” one person repeated, “and his voice is going.” The sentiment of many, however, was encapsulated in a more concise response: “This is hard to see.”
The Absence That Stood Out at the Emmy Awards
Following his abrupt and inexplicable withdrawal from the 2025 Emmy Awards, where he was scheduled to appear alongside fellow “Grey’s Anatomy” alumnus Jesse Williams, Dane released this touching video.
In addition to presenting the prize for Directing for a Drama Series, their joint participation was intended to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the renowned medical drama. However, the tribute was completely discarded when Dane withdrew.
“There wasn’t a set or anything, though,” Jeannae Rouzan-Clay, an executive TV producer, subsequently explained. “It was just a celebration with the two of them.”
Producer Jesse Collins acknowledged that Williams was eventually able to give the award alone, but no other information was provided regarding Dane’s absence.
Eric Dane Tells the World About His Diagnosis
Dane announced in April 2025 that he has ALS, a progressive neurological condition, months before he missed the Emmys. His wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their teenage daughters had been by his side as they confronted this life-altering truth together, he said at the time, thanking them for their unflinching support.
As he put it, “I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set [sic] of ‘Euphoria’ next week.” Dane stayed dedicated to his art despite the hurdles that persist. As he and his loved ones started to get used to their new normal, he also expressed a sincere desire for seclusion.
Diane Sawyer Gets an Inside Look at Eric Dane
Dane spoke candidly and emotionally with ABC News’ Diane Sawyer more than a month after he made his illness public. It was the first time he had ever opened up about the personal struggle he has been going through.
Dane’s early days on “Grey’s Anatomy,” where his piercing blue eyes and self-assured swagger earned him the nickname McSteamy, were revisited in this nostalgic look back at his career to start the section.
The 52-year-old man who was once adored as a TV hunk looked altered but still captivating, eager to share his story so that others with ALS wouldn’t feel isolated.
Dane recounted the first symptoms, which included a slight weakness in his right hand that he initially wrote off as exhaustion. He then talked about a protracted and convoluted process of seeing doctor after specialist before finally hearing the words that would change his life: ALS. Dane had to keep going despite having no road map and only a daily list of what was still lost.
“My right side no longer functions at all […] It seems likely that I will lose my left hand in a few more months. “Sobering [sic],” the celebrity revealed. He admitted to worrying about his future mobility even though he is still able to walk.
Above all, Dane expressed his sadness at the way the illness has affected his position as his family’s patriarch.
A Daughter’s Valuable Deed in the Sea That Heartbroke Her Father
Dane broke down in tears as he described how, on a recent boat trip, he jumped into the ocean only to discover that he was no longer able to swim. He was dragged back to the boat by his youngest daughter, who hurried to his aid.
“I was just heartbroken,” he claimed, adding that even as he sobbed in private, he made sure she returned to the water to continue enjoying the day.
In addition, he talked kindly of his wife, Gayheart, whom he acknowledged as his greatest ally and advocate. Their relationship has strengthened as a result of this experience, Dane said, saying, “We have managed to become better friends and better parents.”
Dane pondered on the young man he once was, full of ambition and swagger, but also subtly hurt from losing his father to suicide when he was only seven years old, as Sawyer showed him an old picture of himself from his early Hollywood days.
Even now, that pain still lingers. Dane said, “Very,” when asked how furious ALS made him. You see, I’m upset because I lost my father when I was a little child. There’s a very good potential that I’ll be taken from my girls while they’re very young, you know.” “All I want to do is spend time with my family and work a little bit if I can.”
Eric Dane Responds, “I Don’t Think This Is the End of My Story”
Dane is far from giving up in spite of the discomfort and the prognosis. He made a strong statement of optimism near the close of the interview, saying, “I don’t think this is the end of my story […] This does not seem to be the end of me. I’m doing everything I can to fight.” He stated unequivocally that although ALS is altering his life, it will not define it and most definitely won’t stop it.
Dane’s professional life exhibits the same unyielding energy that he gives to his personal life. He has stated unequivocally that he will not give up acting, even in light of the physical toll that ALS takes. “I’m going to ride this till the wheels fall off,” he and his “Countdown” co-star Jensen Ackles said in an interview with E! News.
The new thriller from Amazon MGM Studios, which brings Dane back in a high-stakes action style, has evolved into more than just a supporting character.
He remarked, “It keeps me sharp,” “It keeps me moving forward, which is super important right now.” For Dane, working on set is about more than simply his job; it’s about his mission.
In his own words, “I feel great when I’m at work,” “There have undoubtedly been some [sic] hiccups, but overall, I feel quite well. At the end of the day, it is all that matters because my spirit is always rather buoyant.”
Eric Dane’s Next Chapter: A Star, a Father, an Advocate, and a Fighter
This statement perfectly sums up Eric Dane’s current identity as a husband, father, fighter, and actor who is committed to continuing to live life to the fullest both on and off screen. The man who was once regarded as one of TV’s biggest heartthrobs has evolved into something much more potent: a representation of tenacity.
