Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane was forced to miss a prestigious awards ceremony this weekend due to the debilitating effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the progressive neurodegenerative condition he has been battling. The 53-year-old actor had been scheduled to attend the ALS Network's Champions for Cures and Care Gala in Pasadena, California on Saturday, where he was due to receive the Advocate of the Year award.
Health Reasons Prevent Attendance
A spokesperson for the ALS Network confirmed to entertainment industry publication The Hollywood Reporter that Dane's health condition made attendance impossible. "The ALS Network has been informed that Eric Dane had hoped to join us this evening to accept his Advocate of the Year Award, but due to the physical realities of ALS, he is not well enough to attend," the representative stated.
The organisation expressed continued support for the actor, adding: "We remain deeply grateful for his courage, advocacy, and continued commitment to the ALS community, and we honour him fully this evening with our profound respect and support."
Award Recognition for Advocacy Work
Dane was being honoured for bringing "international attention to ALS" through what the organisation described as his "leadership and compassion." The award was accepted on his behalf by Broadway star and Grammy Award nominee Aaron Lazar.
When the award was announced last September, Dane expressed his appreciation, stating: "This award is more than an honour. [The award is] a reflection of the incredible strength and courage I see in the ALS community every day."
Personal Reflections Through Memoir
The actor, known for his roles in both Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, recently revealed he is writing a memoir titled Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, scheduled for publication in 2026. In a statement about the project, Dane explained his motivation: "I wake up every morning, and I'm immediately reminded that this is real - this illness, this challenge and that's exactly why I'm writing this book."
He continued: "I want to capture the moments that shaped me - the beautiful days, the hard ones, the ones I never took for granted - so that if nothing else, people who read it will remember what it means to live with heart."
Family and Future Hopes
The father of two daughters - Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13 - hopes his forthcoming book will resonate with readers. "If sharing this helps someone find meaning in their own days, then my story is worth telling," Dane added.
ALS, also known as motor neurone disease (MND), is a progressive condition that attacks nerve cells, leading to loss of muscle control and movement. Dane's public acknowledgement of his diagnosis and continued advocacy work has brought increased attention to the disease and those affected by it.
