Eric Dane Praises Rebecca Gayheart’s Strength and Support During His ALS Journey
Eric Dane got emotional on “Good Morning America” on Monday, June 16, as he opened up about his evolving relationship with Rebecca Gayheart.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 03: Actor Eric Dane (L) and Chrysalis Butterfly Ball Co-chair Rebecca Gayheart-Dane at the 16th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 3, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Chrysalis Butterfly Ball)
The “Greyâs Anatomy” star, 52, shared how much her presence has meant to him during one of the most challenging times of his life. As he continues to navigate his ALS diagnosis, Dane reflected on how their bond has grown stronger, calling Gayheart his greatest supporter and someone he leans on every day.
âSheâs My Biggest Champion,â Dane Says
Although Dane and Gayheart were separated for years, he said their connection has only grown stronger since they reconciled.
Actors Rebecca Gayheart (L) and Eric Dane attend the 43rd AFI Life Achievement Award Gala honoring Steve Martin at the Dolby Theatre on June 4, 2015, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for AFI)
âI talk to her every day,â Dane shared, tearing up. âWe have managed to become better friends and better parents, and she is myâprobably my biggest champion. My most stalwart supporter, and I lean on her.â
Gayheart, 53, filed for divorce in 2018 after 14 years of marriage. But in March 2024, Us Weekly confirmed that she had filed to dismiss the divorce petition, officially ending their seven-year separation. The couple shares two daughters: Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13.
Dane Says ALS Diagnosis Came After Nine Months of Testing
Dane first noticed something was wrong when he felt weakness in his right hand. At first, he brushed it off, but the symptoms worsened.
US actor Eric Dane poses during a photo session on November 9, 2017, in Paris. (MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Images)
âI didnât really think anything of it,â he recalled. âI went and saw a hand specialist a few weeks later.â
That visit led to a referral to a neurologist, then another specialist.
âThe neurologist sent me to another neurologist and said, âThis is way above my pay grade,ââ Dane said.
After nearly nine months of testing and uncertainty, he finally received a diagnosis: ALS, also known as Lou Gehrigâs disease. This progressive condition affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. âI will never forget those three letters,â he said. âItâs on me the second I wake up. Itâs not a dream.â
A New Chapter for Dane and Gayheart
Despite the heartbreaking diagnosis, Dane says heâs found strength in his evolving relationship with Gayheart. Once estranged, the couple is now more united than ever as co-parents, friends, and support systems.
Actress Rebecca Gayheart (R) and actor Eric Dane arrive for the 21st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 25, 2015, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. AFP PHOTO / FREDERIC J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
It hasnât been an easy road, but through it all, Eric Daneâs honestyâand the way he leans on Rebecca Gayheartâshows what it means to find strength, love, and a second chance when life gets hard.
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