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After Revealing He Has Only “One Functioning Arm” Due To ALS, Eric Dane Recalled How His Daughter “Dragged” Him To Safety When He Realized He Couldn’t Swim

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Original Story by BuzzFeed
June 17, 2025
After Revealing He Has Only “One Functioning Arm” Due To ALS, Eric Dane Recalled How His Daughter “Dragged” Him To Safety When He Realized He Couldn’t Swim

Context:

Eric Dane, known for his roles in 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Euphoria', has publicly shared his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. During an emotional interview, Dane revealed that he has already lost the use of his right arm and fears that his left arm may soon follow. He recounted a terrifying moment when his daughter had to rescue him during a boating trip, highlighting the physical challenges he's facing. Despite the prognosis, which often limits life expectancy to three to five years post-diagnosis, Dane remains focused on spending time with his family, particularly his two young daughters, and continuing his work. He expressed determination and hope, stating that he does not believe his story is over yet, even as he grapples with the fear of leaving his daughters at a young age, as he himself experienced with his own father's early death.

Dive Deeper:

  • Eric Dane revealed that he has been diagnosed with ALS, a debilitating disease that has already rendered his right arm non-functional, with fears that his left arm may soon follow.

  • In a recent interview, Dane recounted a harrowing experience where his daughter had to drag him back to safety during a boating trip, as he realized he could no longer swim due to his condition.

  • ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, leads to progressive paralysis and eventually affects the ability to walk, speak, eat, and breathe, while cognitive functions remain intact.

  • Dane is deeply concerned about the impact of his illness on his family, particularly his daughters, fearing they may lose him at a young age similar to how he lost his father.

  • Despite the grim prognosis typically associated with ALS, Dane is determined to focus on spending quality time with his family and continuing his work on projects like the third season of 'Euphoria'.

  • He conveyed a sense of resilience and hope, emphasizing that he does not view this diagnosis as the end of his journey, expressing a strong desire to live fully and create lasting memories with his loved ones.

  • The actor's public disclosure of his condition aims to raise awareness about ALS and its profound impact on both patients and their families, highlighting the urgent need for a cure.

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