“Grey’s Anatomy” star Eric Dane pulled out of Saturday’s awards ceremony due to complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Dane was scheduled to receive the “Advocate of the Year Award” at the ALS Network’s Champions for Cure and Care Gala. Hours before the event began, organizers announced that Dane would not be able to participate “due to the physical realities of ALS.”
“We remain deeply grateful for his courage, advocacy, and continued commitment to the ALS community,” an ALSN representative told EW in a statement. “We honor him tonight with our deepest respect and support.”
Grammy-nominated Broadway star Aaron Lazar accepted the award in Dane’s place. Dane did not appear in person, but sent a prerecorded message to the ALS Network thanking him for the honor.
“This award is not just for me. It’s for my beautiful loved ones who are fighting alongside me, and for everyone who has faced ALS with courage,” Dane said in the video. “For all the caregivers who give their hearts and energy every day, and for all the advocates who speak out for progress.”
Dane first revealed his ALS diagnosis to People magazine in April 2025. He told the magazine, “I feel lucky to be able to continue working and look forward to returning to the set of ‘Euphoria’ next week. I would ask that you please allow my family and me some privacy during this time.”
ALS is a fatal degenerative disease that destroys nerves in the body. Muscles become weak and eventually cause paralysis, affecting the patient’s ability to breathe, speak, and move. There is no known cure.
