Grey’s Anatomy Star Eric Dane Misses Emmys After ALS-Related Fall
LOS ANGELES — Actor Eric Dane, best known to audiences as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy, missed this year’s Emmy Awards after suffering a fall linked to his ongoing battle with ALS.
Dane, 52, had been scheduled to join former castmates for the show’s 20th anniversary celebration but instead spent the evening in a Los Angeles hospital receiving stitches.
A Difficult Diagnosis
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare, degenerative neurological disease that causes the gradual loss of motor control and muscle function. Dane revealed his diagnosis in April 2025, describing it as “a nasty disease” in an interview with The Washington Post.
Despite the setback, Dane spoke candidly about his disappointment in missing the reunion.
“It would have been great to see Jesse and the cast again,” he said, referring to longtime co-star Jesse Williams, who presented an award on his behalf.
Williams paid tribute to his friend during the ceremony, telling Entertainment Tonight,
“He’s solid. The man’s just solid.”
Choosing to Speak Publicly
Dane said he initially struggled with whether to share his diagnosis, worried about public speculation.
“It was getting increasingly difficult to hide what was going on,” he admitted. “But I’ve never experienced a bigger outpouring of love and support.”
Since announcing his condition, Dane has become an advocate for ALS awareness and research, meeting with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., in September to urge renewal of the ACT for ALS, a federal law funding medical studies into neurodegenerative diseases.
Facing the Reality with Resolve
In a June interview with Diane Sawyer, Dane discussed the progression of his illness with honesty and grace.
“My left side is functioning. My right side has completely stopped working,” he said. “It’s sobering.”
Still, he remains focused on his work and family life.
“I’m grateful to have my loving family by my side,” he told People.
Dane also expressed his determination to return to acting, confirming that he plans to appear in the upcoming third season of HBO’s Euphoria.
For fans and colleagues alike, his resilience continues to inspire — a reminder of courage not as the absence of struggle, but as the grace to keep showing up in spite of it.
