Eric Dane is back on our screens, bravely returning to work despite his battle with ALS. Appearing in the Thanksgiving episode of “Brilliant Minds,” the audience on set honored him with an emotional standing ovation that lasted a full ten minutes.
Eric Dane received the life-altering diagnosis of ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in April. Reflecting on this moment, he shared his gratitude for the unwavering support of his family during these challenging times.
Known for his role on Grey’s Anatomy, Eric has been candid about his journey with this debilitating illness. In October, he opened up about missing the show’s reunion at the Emmy Awards due to a fall that required hospitalization.
On Good Morning America, Dane recounted when he first noticed something was amiss. Initially, he brushed off the weakness he felt in his right hand, attributing it to possible overuse.
“At first, I didn’t think much of the weakness in my hand – thought it was just fatigued,” Eric explained. “But when it worsened, I saw a hand specialist, which led to several more consultations, each referring me to another expert.”
Finally, after seeing multiple specialists and enduring months of uncertainty, Dane was diagnosed with ALS. Reflecting on his condition, Eric shared that while his left side remains functional, his right side has ceased to work completely.
Eric Dane’s Triumphant Return to Acting
Eric Dane’s journey took a year from detecting his first symptoms to receiving his diagnosis. Even as he grapples with the changes ALS brings, his dedication to acting remains as strong as ever. Fans of Grey’s Anatomy might fondly remember him as Mark Sloan, and now he has made a powerful return in “Brilliance,” portraying a firefighter hero who faces his own battle with ALS.
In a poignant moment on the show, Eric’s character opens up in a heartfelt message, which resonated deeply with everyone on set. Eric was met with a spontaneous and touching ten-minute standing ovation.
Creator of “Brilliant Minds,” Michel Grassi, recounted this unforgettable moment to USA Today, emphasizing how genuinely moving the scene was, taking the entire set by surprise. He noted, “It was beautiful and honest, and courage was not just in the character but in Eric himself.”
Celebrating Eric Dane’s Generosity
Centered around ALS, the episode’s storyline explores the profound impact the disease has on patients and their families. Grassi shared how Eric’s team reached out to collaborate on this special storyline, aiming to showcase the realities faced by those living with ALS.
In conversation with Deadline, Grassi delved into the essence of the episode, which navigates the complexities family members confront when dealing with tough diagnoses. He expressed, “There’s no manual for navigating these waters, and we wanted to portray the challenges faced by families in such trying times.”
The portrayal of ALS in this episode aimed to bring forward the raw and honest experiences many face in battling this disease. Grassi revealed the commitment to remain transparent and collaborative during the process in order to reflect Eric’s experiences accurately.
Working with Eric on such a personal project was a privilege, said Grassi, highlighting Dane’s generosity and dedication. The episode serves not only as a testament to Eric’s bravery but also as a beacon of hope and strength for those affected by ALS.
Our thoughts and heartfelt support go to Eric Dane and all those fighting against ALS across the globe.
