Eric Dane opened up about one of the hardest moments he’s experienced as a father since he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS.
The “Grey’s Anatomy” actor spoke to Diane Sawyer about the neurodegenerative disease in a soul-bearing interview for “Good Morning America,” released this week.
Sawyer said Dane used to be a competitive swimmer and water polo player, but he had a harsh wake-up call about his safety during a boat trip with his teenage daughter a few months ago.
“When I jumped into the ocean that day and realized I couldn’t swim [or] generate enough power to get myself back to the boat, I thought, ‘Oh god,’” Dane shared. “And then I realized in that moment I’m not safe in the water anymore.”
Dane’s daughter had to rescue him, which greatly affected the “Euphoria” star.
“She dragged me back to the boat. I was breaking down in tears,” he explained, adding that he “made sure she got back in the water with her friend and continued on with the snorkeling with the guide.”
He added, “But I was just heartbroken.”
Dane, 52, said he first began experiencing symptoms about a year and a half ago. He spoke to Sawyer about how the disease has quickly affected his body.
He said he is down to “one functioning arm” ― his left ― and is worried about his legs losing function soon.
Despite everything, the actor said that he doesn’t “think this is the end of my story.”
He said, “I’m fighting as much as I can. There’s so much about it that’s out of my control.”
Moving forward, all he wants to do “is spend time with my family, and work a little bit if I can.”
Dane first publicly revealed he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in April.
“I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter,” the actor told People magazine in a statement at the time.
Dane shares two teenage daughters with fellow actor, Rebecca Gayheart.
Read the full article here
