Fans of Grey’s Anatomy still remember Eric Dane as the charming Dr. Mark Sloan, or as everyone called him, “McSteamy.” Over the years, people have loved watching him grow from a flirtatious doctor into a loyal friend, brilliant surgeon, and devoted father. His heartbreaking exit from the show left many in tears, and his fanbase has only grown since then. So when the actor revealed his battle with ALS, the news shook his followers deeply. But despite the diagnosis, Eric isn’t giving up. He has made it clear that he’s determined to keep fighting.
The 52-year-old actor opened up about his journey recently, saying that his daughters remain at the heart of his strength. He shared earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with ALS and has been facing the disease head-on with remarkable courage. On September 29, 2025, U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell posted a TikTok video featuring Eric alongside advocates from the “I Am ALS” organization. The actor appeared in a wheelchair but spoke with deep resolve as he called for stronger federal support for ALS research.
In the video, Eric expressed his determination to keep going, saying that his biggest motivation is his daughters, Billie and Georgia, who are now 15 and 13. “I’m gonna fight to the last breath on this one,” he said firmly, earning respect and love from millions of fans around the world.
A few days later, Eric was spotted at the Washington, D.C. airport in a motorized wheelchair. When approached by a paparazzo, he stopped for a brief moment. Speaking softly, he thanked his fans for their prayers and asked everyone to hold on to faith. The photographer told him that the whole country was cheering for him, and Eric simply smiled and said thank you before heading inside.
According to The Daily Mail, Eric has chosen to stay positive through everything. He reportedly told friends that he doesn’t want people to grieve for him while he’s still here. Instead, he wants to live fully and see as many happy moments as he can. A source close to him shared, “He wants the people in his life to be present and as happy as they can be.”
ALS, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a progressive disease that affects the nerve cells responsible for muscle movement. Over time, it leads to loss of mobility, difficulty speaking, and eventually affects breathing. There is still no cure, but ongoing research aims to improve treatments and quality of life for patients.
Earlier this month, Eric appeared in an awareness video for “I Am ALS.” In it, he spoke slowly, with visible tremors and slurred speech, yet his message was powerful. He reminded viewers how important it is to support those with ALS and to keep fighting for a cure.
Even in the face of such a devastating illness, Eric Dane continues to inspire people with his strength, resilience, and unwavering love for his daughters. His battle has become a symbol of courage, showing that even when life takes a painful turn, hope and determination can shine through.