Janell Shirtcliff Honors Eric Dane With Emotional Public Tribute After His Passing
Eric Dane is seen during a casual outing in Los Angeles on March 18, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The Moment He Knew Something Was Wrong
In June 2025, Dane spoke with ABC News’ Diane Sawyer about when he first realized something was wrong. He said the earliest symptom was weakness in his right hand.
“I started experiencing some weakness in my right hand. And I didn’t really think anything of it at the time,” Dane said. He initially assumed it was fatigue or that he had been using his phone too much.
As the weakness progressed, he consulted several hand specialists before a neurologist told him the case was “way above my pay grade.”
Eric Dane speaks during an interview with ABC News’ Diane Sawyer about his ALS diagnosis | Source: YouTube/GMA
Dane said the disease has since advanced. “My right side is completely, completely stopped working,” he told Sawyer, indicating his right arm resting in his lap.
When asked about his left arm, he replied, “No, it’s going. Yeah, I feel like maybe a couple few more months, and I won’t have my left hand either. Sobering.”
Eric Dane gestures with his right hand while discussing the progression of his ALS diagnosis during an interview with ABC News | Source: YouTube/GMA
The interview turned emotional when Sawyer asked who he calls when it becomes overwhelming. “I call Rebecca. I talk to her every day,” he said, referring to Gayheart.
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