He’s a Hollywood Star’s Brother and the Dad Who ‘Abandoned’ His Daughter at 7 Months – Who Is This 1980s Heartthrob
In previous interviews, the 1980s star, who also had a successful Hollywood career, has discussed his ties with his well-known sister and daughter.
He was one of Hollywood’s most alluring leading men for decades thanks to his smoldering eyes and domineering on-screen persona.

Known for his parts in classic films like “Runaway Train” and “Star 80,” one Hollywood celebrity became well-known in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The actor has had a lot of success in his career, but he has also had personal struggles, especially with his sister and daughter, both of whom are well-known in the entertainment business.
The Birth of a Star
The actor was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, on April 18, 1956. He started his acting career away from the glamour of Hollywood, perfecting his talent in a theater in New York City, where he won a Theatre World Award and received critical acclaim for his Broadway performance in “Burn This.”

His rise in the movie business was quick and remarkable from there. He was already drawing attention by the late 1970s because to his Golden Globe-nominated performance in “King of the Gypsies.”
He only became more of a cinematic presence in the 1980s and 1990s. His compelling performance in “Runaway Train” (1985) got him a nomination for an Academy Award, and he also received Golden Globe nominations for that performance and “Star 80” (1983).
From mainstream hits like “The Specialist” (1994) and “Final Analysis” (1992) to independent classics like “La Cucaracha,” which won him Best Actor at the New York Independent Film Festival, his versatility was evident in a broad range of productions.

In the decades that followed, this actor didn’t slow down. In addition to appearing in popular movies like “The Dark Knight” (2008),
“The Expendables” (2010), and Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Inherent Vice” (2014), he was honored at Sundance for his performances in “It’s My Party” (1996) and “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints” (2006).
“Lovelace” (2013) is another addition to his already varied collection of credits. He established a strong presence on television in addition to the big screen.

With guest appearances on “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Will & Grace,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Hawaii Five-O,” and “Entourage,” in addition to recurring roles on popular shows like “Heroes,” “Suits,” “CSI,” “Code Black,” and “Crash,” his versatility as a performer was still on display.
He is still working and taking on parts in independent and major productions. Recent roles include “Head Full of Honey,” in which he costarred with Matt Dillon as a doctor, and “Hard Luck Love Song,” in which he played a sage, weathered doorman.
In addition, he played a DEA boss in “La Reina del Sur”—a position that was appropriate for a career that has never shied away from nuance or charm.
The heartbreaking regret of a father: “I had left Kelly when Emma was only seven months old.”
However, underneath the regular cadence of movie sets and red carpets, the actor has long harbored a more subdued pain in his personal life, one that revolves around his actress daughter.
He has already been open about his regrets as a father. He said, looking back on one of the most agonizing periods of his life, “I had abandoned Kelly when Emma was just seven months old.”

The statement, which acknowledged decisions that would define the gap between him and his daughter for decades, was glaring and very human. The actress rarely talks about it in public because of the impact the split from her father had on her.
The “American Horror Story” actress talked about her childhood, which included her parents divorcing while she was still a baby, in a 2022 interview with Tatler.
“She’s pretty much been with me non-stop since Rhodes was born,” the celebrity said warmly about her mother, alluding to her own son.

Her tone changed when she was asked directly about her father and whether they are close. She said, “Um… how do I say this? No, we’re not,” with the weight of years of separation weighing on her.
She had grown up with her mother, Kelly Cunningham, while her father struggled with drug addiction.
The emotional toll of their separation has also been acknowledged by the actress’s father. On the podcast “Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum,” in 2024, he discussed what he views as the most trying time in his life. “Probably the loss of relationship [sic] with my daughter,” he admitted.

Although he refrained from going into detail, there was a hint of sadness in his voice. “There’s not a pain,” he said, “there’s a sadness for the most likely misunderstanding we’ll have forever, because we’re human.”
The actor has periodically revealed hints of his continued love for his daughter despite the emotional isolation that has characterized their relationship.
He posted a sweet old picture of her standing in front of him, reading assembly instructions for a toy he was attempting to put together, on Instagram the night before her 2023 birthday.
He captioned the photo, “Very happiest of birthday eves to my precious daughter,” and then reflected on the unguarded moment.
“As you can see, I am clueless as to how to go about the task, as I am about many tasks & other things. But the love on my face, even in profile, for her is undeniable.”
He concluded the touching post with the words, “I knew she’d grow up to be all that and more. One of the rare things I was right about. I love you, Emma. Happy Birthday February 10 [sic].” He did so with pride and unwavering love.

The Actor’s Complicated Relationship with His Well-Known Sister: The Other Tense Connection
His connection with his A-list sister has been complicated and characterized by remoteness, much like the father’s relationship with his daughter.
The siblings were formerly close, but it seems that celebrity, time, and personal hardships have caused them to become emotionally distant from one another.
The actor, however, has not held back from showing his pride and affection for her and his other sister, Lisa Roberts Gillan. He talked candidly about their sibling ties in an interview with Vanity Fair in 2018.

“I wouldn’t characterize it as a falling-out. I was crazy about my sisters. Loved them, adored them,” he said.
His long-term drug use caused him to become estranged from the actress. “We all felt very protective of each other, but the hardest person to protect yourself from is yourself […] I was exhausting to be around […] Everyone in my world needed a break sometimes, and that must have included Julia,” he added.
Nevertheless, when the star’s sister gave birth to twins with her husband in 2004, the siblings were able to turn things around. To deliver gifts, the actor visited the hospital with his spouse, Eliza Roberts.
“Instead I was ushered into their room and was immediately awash in brotherly and uncle-ly love [sic],” he said. Since then, the two have spent Thanksgiving and other family holidays together and have become into what he called “e-mail buddies.”
When asked about his daughter, though, his tone changed a little as he acknowledged that he had helped start both her and his sister’s professions. “If it wasn’t for me, there would be no Julia Roberts and no Emma Roberts as celebrities, as actresses, and I’m very proud of that,” he said.
Long before “Mystic Pizza” would make her a household celebrity, he recalled presenting her to the powerful talent agency William Morris. “And I am so proud that everybody knows I was first, because I was first by a long shot,” said the actor.

Despite his pride, he now speaks about his well-known sister and daughter with caution, if not caution. In 2024, when he appeared on “Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko,” he spoke in a way that was both tender and tactful.
“I love my sister, but I can’t talk about her. She don’t want to talk about it. Also, my daughter told me also not to talk about her, but I stumble and do [sic],” he said.
Nevertheless, his admiration is still evident despite that boundary. With a tone of sincerity and admiration, he confessed, “I am in love with my daughter’s work these days, like I can’t believe how great she’s become. I’m so proud of her, I can’t see straight.”
It’s a lot of fun!”A Father Glows, Even from a Distance”
The well-known actor is none other than Eric Roberts, a man whose name has always been in the news along with his career.
Eric still beams with enthusiasm when he talks about his daughter’s success in the industry, despite the distance between them. He remarked, “It’s so much fun! It’s so much fun for me,” describing his feelings as he watches his daughter thrive.
“She’s never had any training […] and it’s been lovely for me to watch her become an actor […] I love her work,” said Eric. He responded without hesitation when asked if he would ever want to share the screen with her, saying, “Are you kidding, [sic] I would love that. I’d also love my sister to play my sister.”

Eric Roberts Expresses Remorse and Offers His Family an Apology
Although Eric used to talk proudly about assisting his sister Julia Roberts and daughter start their careers, time and introspection have given him a more sympathetic and regretful view.
The actor expressed regret for the previous remark in his biography, “Runaway Train: Or, The Story of My Life So Far,” adding, “I hope Julia will accept this public apology. It was an asinine thing to have said.”
He also admitted to the most difficult times in his life, when his battles with addiction harmed the relationships he valued most. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they suffered from PTSD from when it was dangerous to be around me,” he said.

He acknowledged that the effects of those years went beyond his siblings. Eric remarked, “Of course, the biggest consequence of my drug use was losing Emma,” referring to the custody dispute that caused him to be estranged from his daughter.
He claims that when Julia backed Emma’s mother, Kelly, at the time, which he now acknowledges was the proper choice, their relationship further soured.
In a voice that was reconciling, Eric said, “I imagine I will remain as Julia’s brother and Emma Roberts’ dad for the rest of my life. I’d like to make good on that, to move aside proudly and with grace. That’s part of the reason for writing the book.”

One Unwavering Love
Eric’s marriage to Eliza is the one bond that has endured despite all the upheaval in his personal life. Their journey started out of the blue on a flight to Los Angeles on the MGM Grand.
Casting director Eliza had made a last-minute reservation adjustment. Eric boarded the same plane with his cat, Tender, on his lap after returning from a shoot in Rome.
The two sat next to each other and began a chat that soon became a bond. Eric jokingly remarked, “It was a chick magnet,” in reference to the cat. Although they had previously come close to working together, this fortuitous meeting sealed their doom.
Later that night, Eric gave Eliza a call. When she recognized the voice, her babysitter warned her, “You’re taking this call or I’m going to die.” Who was she? An unknown Jeffrey Dean Morgan at the time.
Eric’s life has been anchored by their marriage, which began as a fortuitous encounter on an airplane. Eliza has been credited by him over the years as both a companion and a mentor during his most trying times.

During a 2020 visit on “The Ed Mylett Show,” he claimed, “I got a wife who comes from royalty — Hollywood royalty,” alluding to Eliza’s Emmy-winning ancestry and extensive knowledge of the business. “She gets every single bit of it.”
But more than their similar professional trajectories, Eric was able to confront himself because to Eliza’s steadfast support. He acknowledged that “my wife sending me to therapy saved my life,” explaining how that path let him face the anguish and behavior that had previously characterized him and, in the end, rebuild.
Eric Roberts Owns His Story, Scars and All: “Addicts Aren’t Bad Guys”
Eric has been more forthcoming in recent years about the demons he has faced and overcome. In a 2024 interview with “Today,” he discussed his protracted battle with addiction and said it was a universal and personal battle.

“The only way to be a good example is to get through being a casualty,” he said. “And it’s a bit of a trick, because we drug addicts are casualties, and we have to fight it every day.”
He acknowledged that his voyage had cost him much, particularly in terms of family. “For many years, I was a practicing drug addict. So, a lot of people were alienated, especially the family, and the family, I owe them a lot because I love them. I owe them a lot because they love me,” said the actor.
Eric Roberts now accepts the past with compassion and clarity rather than trying to change it. He said, “Addicts aren’t bad guys,” “They’re just making a mistake.”
This article’s material is not meant to replace expert medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment in any way.
All of the information on news.AmoMama.com, including text and photographs, is provided solely for general informational reasons.
Any action made as a result of reading this content is not the responsibility of news.AmoMama.com. Please speak with your healthcare physician before beginning any treatment.

The sight of two generations of Roberts women standing side by side and showing Hollywood what family legacy looks like when it is under the same spotlight was what made the evening unique, not the champagne or the couture.
The world had been waiting for over ten years – until now. Julia Roberts and her niece Emma Roberts walked out side by side in New York City, dazzling the crowd at a star-studded Veuve Clicquot dinner in a rare, sparkling reunion that surprised Hollywood and ignited social media.
An Elegant Evening at Central Park
The two attended the Veuve Clicquot x Simon Porte Jacquemus La Grande Dame 2018 launch party, which was held inside Central Park’s famous Boathouse.
Emma dazzled in a translucent black gown with delicate straps, while Julia exuded classic sophistication in the now-viral picture by wearing an enormous black suit with a white shirt. Together, they were the epitome of Hollywood style.
“Such a special evening celebrating the newly unveiled @veuveclicquot and @simon_porte_jacquemus collaboration of La Grande Dame 🍾 #ad21+ 🥂 @jacquemus 🤍,” Emma wrote on Instagram, capturing the essence of the occasion.

Despite the presence of celebrities, fashion insiders, and influential figures from all sectors of the industry, the Roberts women were the center of attention. The occasion was also celebrated by Veuve Clicquot, which described it as “A moment of joy, style and shared optimism!”
The resemblance makes fans go crazy.
The internet was definitely sparkling enough, if the champagne wasn’t. The remarkable resemblance between the women was too much for fans on all platforms to ignore.
A Reddit user commented, “This is the first time I can see the family resemblance. Both should keep the red hair.” Another user commented, “Good for them and their matching hair.”

Others observed minor alterations in Julia’s look. “Why does Julia Roberts look so different? Her smile is almost creepy,” one internet user wrote.
“The resemblance is unreal, not just the color!” exclaimed one commenter on Instagram, while another exclaimed, “Total beauties! Class act.”
Accolades, Reprimands, and Incessant Comparisons
The emotional rollercoaster was further exacerbated by the deluge of Facebook comments, which reflected the mixture of admiration and love. A post was made that said, “Smiles (show the sun is up-and happiness level-up)Thanks Ladies [sic].”
Another complimented them on their similarity, saying simply, “Same mouth.” The praise flowed from platform to platform. One fan commented, “Both are beautiful,” while another commended their timeless style and star power.
For a lot of admirers, the occasion was about history rather than just glamour. The meal in New York marked Julia and Emma’s first public appearance together since they walked the red carpet for “Jesus Henry Christ” in Los Angeles in April 2012.

Emma’s Heartfelt Remarks Regarding Julia
Emma has never concealed the impact of her aunt’s influence over the years. She disclosed in a 2024 Variety interview that the industry continues to implores them to collaborate:
“They still do. I would love to find the perfect project for me and my aunt, and I know that there will be something. But it’s never been the right thing. She’s the best, and I want to do something with her.”
Emma elaborated on her personal thoughts on fame and what it has always meant to her on Bruce Boggi’s program. She clarified:

“I always say, like I think I saw very up close what that really looks like with my aunt Julia. It’s obviously fun, it’s great, but there is a part of it that’s really scary, and so I’ve always wanted to carve my own path of not just like straight ahead, ‘Oh be a big movie star,’ but like do stuff that are [sic] creatively fulfilling, cause to me fame has never been the goal.”
More than just another fashion gala, the glitzy New York evening marked a rare reunion of Hollywood aristocracy. Julia and Emma demonstrated that their family history is vibrant, unmistakable, and alive after more than a decade apart from their public appearances together.
Fans were mesmerized by the evening, critics were split, and the internet was ablaze with compliments and comparisons. Undoubtedly, though, the Roberts women have once again shown the world why they are still the epitome of sophistication, style, and star power.
For a famous person like him, taking the subway is uncommon enough, but doing it covertly? That’s on an other level.
On Tuesday, October 21, an Oscar-winning actor shocked New Yorkers by riding the Metro in Manhattan with other train travelers. The “Forrest Gump” star’s decision to take public transit, which is uncommon for celebrities, startled and delighted fans.
The Train’s Masked Mystery
The 69-year-old Tom Hanks was seen traveling through the city on the 6 line. Hanks was dressed casually, blending in with other commuters in black trousers, boots, a green jacket, and a matching knitted beanie.
The white safety mask that covered the majority of his face, however, was what really attracted attention and generated a lot of discussion online.
The Unexpected Meeting Astounds Commuters
Some users were not persuaded at all, boldly declaring, “That ain’t him.” One interested user merely queried, “Tom Hanks?” while another wasn’t so sure, wondering, “That Hanks or the Whiplash dude?”

Some were more interested in his outfit. In the midst of the uncertainty, one fan praised the actor’s decision, saying, “He’s wearing a mask to be left alone.
Let him be. Who cares?” Another queried, “Whats [sic] up with the mask?” Another inquired, “Why is he wearing a mask?” A humorous user remarked, “Is it 2020 all over again?”
Even Hollywood legends occasionally desire a peaceful, everyday day — away from the spotlight — as Tom Hanks’ subtle subway entrance reminded many, even though not everyone recognized him right away.
The sighting occurs months after Hanks’ body language drew attention from viewers during an appearance with other prominent figures in the industry in a “SNL” sketch.
Despite the fact that a sketch posted on the broadcast was amusing, internet users noticed something concerning about Hanks’ hands.
In the joyous comedy honoring Martin Short’s admission into “Saturday Night Live’s Five-Timers Club,” Hanks was featured with a number of Hollywood’s most renowned celebrities.
The idea was centered on a lavish yearly Christmas celebration held in a lavish location that exuded coziness and custom. In the background, bookcases with red stockings and festive garlands flanked a decked-out Christmas tree that glistened.
A-list celebrities Paul Rudd, Tina Fey, Melissa McCarthy, and other entertainment titans joined Hanks on stage while wearing a navy blue robe emblazoned with the club’s emblem.
The crowd frequently cheered, thrilled by the celebrity encounters and humorous timing, and the comedy was full of lighthearted humor, clever repartee, and self-referential barbs.
Every second of the skit exuded charm and companionship, from Fey’s witty remarks to Short’s enthusiastic motions.
But viewers with keen eyes couldn’t help but pick up on minor physical clues about Hanks. Hanks’ hands seemed to tremble a little as he sat with them in his lap.

He held two beers and then handed one to Short, displaying a similar tremor. Despite being brief, these incidents generated a lot of online discussion.
One netizen said, “Watch his left hand. Does Tom Hanks have a hand tremor?” “So sad to see Tom Hanks hand tremmors 😭 he’s such a gem, hope we can have him forever [sic] ❤️,” said another, expressing sadness.
A other person responded to similar feeling by saying, “I agree! I need to take a closer look at this. Perhaps it was from Caffeine. Let’s hope so.”

Other users expressed their hope that Hanks is doing well; one user wrote, “So sad hope he’s ok.”
Another viewer expressed more passion, saying, “Tom Hanks is looking so old did anyone else clock his hands shaking I’ll cry rn.”
One person said, “Tom Hanks was just on ‘SNL’ and he looked ROUGH and I noticed his hands now have the same shake that Bill Clinton has acquired.”

Another user asked, “Did anyone notice Tom Hanks’s hands shaking unnaturally in this sketch?” Another user compared Hanks to a political public figure.
Before his much-discussed performance on “SNL,” Hanks gave an honest interview to Entertainment Tonight at the start of November about his body and aging.
In response to the question of whether he has ever wished he could go back in time to when he was younger, the actor said, “No. Look, I’m 68 years old.
The hardest for us was when we were playing 35. That time where your metabolism stops, gravity starts tearing you down, your bones start wearing off, you stand differently.” His response was humorous but firm.

But, Hanks said, “I think I’m in better shape now. You know why? Because my kids are grown up, I’m getting decent exercise, and I can eat right. You can’t do that when you’re 35! Life is such a burden.” Hanks also said he feels better than he did growing up.
With a blend of humor and realism, the actor also described how he currently keeps himself healthy. “68 years old, type 2 diabetes, just maintaining the temple, baby. That’s all I’m trying to do. That’s it,” he said with a grin.
Hanks has already alarmed the public with the same problem, which was his shaking hands during his “SNL” appearance.
According to reports, Hanks’ trembling hands also attracted notice in 2022 during a promotional event for his movie “Elvis,” in which he co-stars with Austin Butler, who portrays the legendary Elvis Presley.

His hands started to shake as he spoke into a microphone during the occasion. The actor moved his grasp, placing his left hand on the microphone beneath his right, in an effort to regain his balance. In an apparent attempt to keep control, he even briefly switched hands at another point.
The actor has previously been candid about his health issues, but Hanks has not yet addressed the hand tremors that fans have seen.
Hanks and his spouse, actress Rita Wilson, disclosed that they had COVID-19 in 2020. Hanks revealed the specifics of their ailment at the time with his trademark humor and sincerity.
Regarding their experience, Hanks said that the discomfort they went through lasted roughly two weeks and that their symptoms varied.
“My wife lost her sense of taste and smell, she had severe nausea, she had a much higher fever than I did.
I just had crippling body aches, I was very fatigued all the time and I couldn’t concentrate on anything for more than about 12 minutes. That last bit is kinda like my natural state anyway,” he joked.
Hanks acknowledged his pre-existing ailments and emphasized the importance of his health at the time, despite his humorous tone. “When we were in the hospital, I said: ‘I’m 63, I have type 2 diabetes, I had a stent in my heart – am I a red flag case?'” he stated.

He added, though, that physicians informed him there was no serious reason to be concerned as long as his temperature didn’t rise and his lungs didn’t contract pneumonia.
Hanks stated, “I’m not one who wakes up in the morning wondering if I’m going to see the end of the day or not. I’m pretty calm about that,” in reference to the general state of affairs.
Hanks’ candor regarding his previous health issues serves as a reminder of his fortitude and capacity to face difficulties head-on, even though the hand tremors are still untreated.

This article’s material is not meant to replace expert medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment in any way. All of the information on news.AmoMama.com, including text and photographs, is provided solely for general informational reasons.
Any action made as a result of reading this content is not the responsibility of news.AmoMama.com. Please speak with your healthcare physician before beginning any treatment.
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. He introduces himself simply, “I’m Eric.
An actor, a father, and now a person living with ALS.” He is wearing a navy blue “I Am ALS” T-shirt, and his comments are urgent and defiant right from the start.
“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 viewers to take action with conviction, saying, “We have to do it now.” The organization considers the campaign a “groundbreaking” initiative, and it comes at a critical time when life-saving therapies are apparently 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
“I don’t know a lot about ALS, admittedly, can someone tell me if the difference in Eric’s speech is a part of the diagnosis?
It sounds slurred, as if he’s struggling with speaking. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to see how fast he has changed for the worst [sic],” a viewer remarked.
“I can hear his voice. He’s already having trouble speaking.” “his [sic] speech😭,” another person said, echoing same sentiment. 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. And his voice is going,” one person said, while another repeated, “you can he his arm twitching [sic].” A more concise response, however, encapsulated the sentiment shared by many: “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 Informs the World of 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 and his loved ones started to get used to their new normal, Dane expressed his dedication to his craft in spite of the obstacles that lay ahead, saying, “I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set [sic] of ‘Euphoria’ next week.” He also made a sincere request for privacy.
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 gone.

“My right side is completely stopped working […] I feel like maybe a […] few more months, and I won’t have my left hand either. Sobering [sic],” said the actress. 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 wounded 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. When asked if he is angry because of ALS, Dane “Very. I’m angry because, you know, my father was taken from me when I was young.

And now, you know, there’s a very good chance I’m going to be taken from my girls while they’re very young.” “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. “I don’t think this is the end of my story […] I don’t feel like this is the end of me.
I’m fighting as much as I can.” He made it clear that although ALS may be altering his life, it won’t define it and it won’t silence it. He made this powerful statement of hope toward the end of the interview.

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 stated to E! News and his “Countdown” co-star Jensen Ackles were interviewed.
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,” Dane believes that being on set is about more than simply work; it’s about purpose. “It keeps me moving forward, which is super important right now.”
In his own words, “I feel great when I’m at work,” “Of course, there have been some sort of [sic] setbacks, but I feel pretty good. My spirit is always pretty buoyant, so at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.”
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.