Eric Dane fans have expressed concern after the Grey’s Anatomy star was absent from the 2025 Emmy Awards last night (Sunday, 14 September).
The 52-year-old actor was scheduled to appear on stage alongside former co-star Jesse Williams for a special segment celebrating 20 years of Shonda Rhimes’ iconic medical drama. However, Dane pulled out for an undisclosed reason, leaving Williams to present the award for Directing for a Drama Series on his own, with no mention of the ABC series’ milestone.
On the red carpet earlier in the day, Williams, who played Jackson Avery, told Entertainment Tonight that Dane is “solid” and emphasized the importance of self-care, referencing Dane’s recent ALS diagnosis. He said:
“I had a really wonderful time working with [Eric] in particular. But the show has just had and continues to have a really remarkable, emotional, intellectual impact on people all over the globe. He’s solid. The man’s just solid, and we have to be careful as men to, you know, take care of ourselves and he’s got a perfect balance going.”
Dane revealed his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease, in April 2025. ALS is the most common form of motor neuron disease (MND) and early symptoms include muscle weakness in the arms and legs, which can worsen over time.
In a heartbreaking interview in June with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America, Dane detailed the progression of the disease, explaining that the entire right side of his body has been most severely affected:
“My left side is functioning, my right side has completely stopped working. I feel like maybe a couple more months, and I won’t have my left hand either. It’s sobering.”
He also expressed concern about the disease impacting his legs, recalling a moment during a boat trip with one of his daughters. Dane jumped into the water and quickly realized it was unsafe:
“I realized in the moment that I’m not safe in the water anymore. She dragged me back to the boat, and I was breaking down in tears.”
Dane is best known for playing Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy from 2006 to 2012, and his absence from the Emmy ceremony sparked worry among fans on social media.
One user wrote on Twitter: “The fact that Eric Dane didn’t show up makes me sad and worried for him tbh.” Another added: “Hope Eric Dane is doing well since he didn’t end up showing up at the Emmys.”
Other fans commented:
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“I hope Eric Dane is well. He was scheduled to present with Jesse Williams.”
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“I thought Eric Dane was presenting with Jesse? Hope he’s okay #emmys.”
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“Where is Eric Dane I will not fall asleep until I see him #Emmys.”
Fans are understandably concerned for Dane’s wellbeing as he continues to navigate his ALS diagnosis, with many sending messages of support and hope for his health.