“Grey’s Anatomy” star Eric Dane appeared in another medical drama on Monday, this time playing a patient.
The 53-year-old actor, who played Dr. Mark Sloan aka “McSteamy” on the Shonda Rhimes series, guest-starred on a season 2 episode of NBC’s “Brilliant Minds” as a firefighter battling an ALS diagnosis. Earlier this year, Dane himself announced that he had been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease that destroys the nerve cells that control muscle movement, gradually paralyzing the body.
In the Nov. 24 episode of “Brilliant Minds,” Dane plays Matthew, a proud first responder who’s used to being the hero, not the one in need. Matthew continues to hide his ALS diagnosis from his family, fearing he will become a burden to them. In the episode, which was filmed in October, Dane co-stars with Zachary Quinto, played by Dr. Oliver Wolfe, who advises Matthew about treatment options. Matthew struggled with the idea of being hooked up to a “night machine” and said, “No one is going to survive this. We both know that, and I know how to take care of my family.”
Brilliant Minds creator Michael Grassi told USA Today that working with Dane was “a lot of fun” and that there was “a lot of laughter and banter between Eric and the cast” between takes. After filming a particularly emotional scene, Grassi said the cast and crew stood up in front of the feed and applauded Dane.
“I’ve never seen anything like this happen in my career, but after filming that scene, he basically got a 10-minute standing ovation because it was so beautiful, so sincere, so real,” Grassi said. “Also, while his character finds courage, Eric also has a lot of courage to tell his story. Coming out and sharing this part of yourself is vulnerable, but it’s also very important, and I think it raises awareness and shows people that they’re not alone.”
Dane, also known for his role as Cal Jacobs on “Euphoria,” traveled to Washington, D.C., in September to meet with Congressman Eric Swalwell and advocate on behalf of a bill supported by the group “I Am ALS.”
“I want to ring all the bells,” Dane told California lawmakers. “I have two daughters at home. I want to see them graduate from college, get married, and maybe have grandchildren. I want to be there for all of that. So I’m going to fight until my last breath.”
