Fans were heartbroken to see Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane navigating Toronto Pearson Airport in a wheelchair on Thursday, a visible reminder of his ongoing fight with ALS.
The 52-year-old actor, who revealed his diagnosis earlier this year, was helped out of a van and guided through the terminal by an aide, dressed casually in a plaid shirt, sweatpants, and a baseball cap, keeping his head low.
Facing Mortality With Courage
This sighting comes just weeks after Dane appeared visibly frail while speaking to a photographer at Washington, DC airport, quietly telling him, “Keep the faith, man.”
Close sources describe Dane as confronting his own mortality head-on.
One insider told the Daily Mail, “Nobody wants to think about or address their own mortality, but that is exactly what Eric is going through now.
He’s focused on enjoying life, being a beacon of hope, and spending meaningful time with family and friends.”
Understanding ALS
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rare motor neuron disorder affecting around 5,000 Americans each year.
Symptoms often progress quickly, making early detection difficult.
Dane first noticed weakness in his right hand in early 2024, thinking it was fatigue from texting.
After months of tests, he received his official diagnosis in April.
By June, he had lost use of his right arm, and the disease has continued to progress rapidly.
Childhood and Athletic Roots
Growing up in the Bay Area, Dane was known for his athleticism.
At San Mateo High School, he was a standout water polo player, even transferring schools to join a more competitive team.
Reflecting on his youth during an Armchair Expert appearance, he said, “I wasn’t necessarily the best, but I was pretty f**ing good.”
A Family Moment That Hit Hard
Earlier this year, a family snorkeling trip turned frightening when Dane realized his body could no longer keep up.
While swimming with his daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, he struggled to generate enough power to return to the boat.
Georgia noticed his distress and pulled him to safety, a moment that left Dane emotionally shaken.
Support From Ex-Wife and Co-Parent
Throughout his ALS journey, Dane has found unwavering support in his ex-wife, Rebecca Gayheart.
Married in 2004 after meeting in 2003, the couple weathered personal and public challenges, including a 2009 scandal involving a leaked private tape.
They divorced in 2018 but remained committed to co-parenting Billie and Georgia.
After Dane’s diagnosis, Gayheart reportedly paused the divorce process to be by his side, providing a strong foundation for both him and their children.
A Career That Refuses to Stop
Despite the disease, Dane has continued acting. He returned to work on season three of Euphoria, sharing scenes with longtime friend Sharon Stone.
“Eric and I have been friends a long time,” Stone told Entertainment Tonight.
“I actually was like his support staff when he was trying to get the job on Euphoria… he really wanted that job.”
Dane acknowledges his limitations but remains determined: “I am ready and willing to do just about anything, but I have limitations that I understand will preclude me from playing certain roles.”
Hope and Determination
Even as his condition progresses, Dane maintains a hopeful outlook. “I’m very hopeful,” he told Diane Sawyer.
“I don’t think this is the end of my story. In my heart, I don’t feel like this is the end of me.”
His resilience and commitment to living fully continue to inspire fans and colleagues alike.