‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star couldn’t appear at awards show for heartbreaking reason
Eric Dane is facing the harsh reality of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
The progression of the disease has significantly affected the actor. So much so that he had to pull out of a huge event simply because of the toll the disease has taken.
The "Grey's Anatomy" alum was set to be honored with the Advocate of the Year Award at the ALS Network 's Champions for Cures and Care gala in Pasadena on Jan. 24.
But just hours before he was to be honored in person at Saturday's lavish award ceremony, he dropped out, Entertainment Weekly reported.
Organizers announced that "due to the physical realities of ALS," the "Euphoria" star wasn't well enough to attend.
"We remain deeply grateful for his courage, advocacy, and continued commitment to the ALS community," an ALSN representative said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly . " and we honor him fully this evening with our profound respect and support."
Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease , ALS is a neurological disorder that affects motor neurons, causing degeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain and loss of muscle control over time.
Though there's no cure, there are treatments that help slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life.
Broadway star and Grammy nominee Aaron Lazar was in attendance to accept the award on Dane's behalf. Lazar was diagnosed with ALS in 2022.
Dane was also honored with a video montage that played during the ceremony and featured several of the actor's friends and former costars, who shared uplifting words regarding his career and battle.
Dane himself sent in a pre-recorded video message for the ceremony, where he thanked the organization for bestowing him the prestigious award.
"This award is not just for me, it's for my beautiful loved ones who are fighting with me, and it's for every person who has faced ALS with courage," the "Countdown" actor shared. "For every caregiver who gives their heart and energy day after day and for every advocate who raises their voice to push for progress."
He also noted the ALS Network's endless work ethic, which includes "uniting care, research, and advocacy to improve and extend the lives of people with ALS."
After thanking the organization once more, Dane concluded by saying, "With the help of the ALS Network we will finally be able to kick the [expletive] out of ALS together."
In a statement to Entertainment Weekly , the president and CEO of the ALS Network, Sheri Strahl, said "Eric has transformed personal challenges into powerful advocacy. He has turned his ALS journey into a catalyst for progress, uniting people with his voice, his heart, and his determination. The ALS community is stronger, more visible, and more hopeful because of him."
As previously reported, Dane first announced his ALS diagnosis in April of 2025. In June, he revealed that he had lost function in his right arm. His wife, Rebecca Gayheart, recently said he has "24/7 nurses" for his care.
Read the original article on pennlive.com .
