What happened to Eric Dane? Grey’s Anatomy star seen in wheelchair as he battles ALS with family by his side
Former Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane has been spotted for the first time in months, marking a rare public appearance since revealing his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The 52-year-old actor, best known for playing Dr. Mark Sloan on the hit medical drama, was seen out in West Hollywood on Thursday, sharing a quiet family dinner with his estranged wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their teenage daughter.
Photos obtained by several outlets showed Dane smiling softly as he sat in a wheelchair outside a popular sushi restaurant. Gayheart, 54, walked beside him, while their daughter — believed to be 13-year-old Georgia — followed closely behind. Despite the serious tone of recent months, the trio appeared united, showing that family remains Dane’s strongest support system amid his ongoing health challenges.
Their outing comes months after the couple decided to call off their divorce, which Gayheart originally filed in 2018 after 14 years of marriage. The two share two daughters — Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13 — and had maintained a healthy co-parenting relationship even while separated.
In March this year, the pair officially paused divorce proceedings, and just weeks later, Dane announced his devastating ALS diagnosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
In an emotional interview with People magazine, Gayheart described the diagnosis as “heartbreaking,” revealing the emotional toll it has taken on their daughters.
“My girls are really suffering, and we’re just trying to get through it,” she said. “Eric will always be my family. We’re doing this with dignity, grace, and love.”
Friends close to the family told Daily Mail that Gayheart and the children are making the most of the time they have together, focusing on positive experiences and togetherness.
“They want to have as many feel-good moments as they can while Eric is still healthy enough to be out and about,” a source shared.
The Euphoria star has kept a relatively low profile since disclosing his illness but was recently hospitalized after a fall, causing him to miss the Grey’s Anatomy reunion at the Emmy Awards. “ALS is a nasty disease,” Dane told The Washington Post, adding that he was “heartbroken” about missing the reunion but grateful to still be surrounded by his family.
During Thursday’s outing, Dane dressed casually in a black T-shirt and beige pants, while Gayheart paired a white tunic with black leather pants. Their daughter, Georgia, matched her father’s relaxed vibe in a dark outfit.
Despite the heartache, Gayheart says the illness has brought the family closer. “We’ve found strength in unity,” she said, adding that while the diagnosis has reshaped their lives, it’s also reminded them of what truly matters — love, compassion, and presence.
As Dane continues his fight against ALS, fans across the world have flooded social media with messages of support, hoping the beloved actor finds comfort in the unwavering bond of his family.
FAQs
1. What illness is Eric Dane battling?
Eric Dane has been diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a degenerative neurological condition that affects muscle control.
2. Are Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart still married?
The couple filed for divorce in 2018 but called off their separation in 2024 to focus on family during Dane’s health battle.
3. How many children do they have?
They share two daughters, Billie (15) and Georgia (13).
4. What has Rebecca Gayheart said about Eric Dane’s illness?
She described it as “heartbreaking,” noting that their daughters are struggling but that the experience has strengthened their family bond.
5. What is ALS?
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive condition that damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and loss of mobility.
