Eric Dane Reveals He Has ‘One Functioning Arm’ In Emotional 1st TV Interview Since ALS Diagnosis

Eric Dane is sharing the first heartbreaking details about the challenges stemming from his ALS battle. The “Grey’s Anatomy” star, 52, sat down for his first TV interview since going public with the illness, telling ABC News’ Diane Sawyer in a special that aired in full on June 16 that he only has one working arm. “My left side is functioning, my right side has completely stopped working,” he said. “I feel like maybe a couple more months and I won’t have my left hand either. It’s sobering.” Dane confirmed that he’s presently walking unassisted but is concerned about how long he’ll be still able to use his legs. The dad of two, a former competitive swimmer and water polo athlete, also went on to recall a frightening episode when his younger daughter had to come to his rescue when he realized he was no longer “safe in the water.” Dane shares teenagers Billie and Georgia with wife Rebecca Gayheart, whom he married in 2004. The couple separated in 2018 but called off divorce proceedings earlier this year, and Dane got emotional when sharing how the actress has been his No. 1 source of support through his health ordeal. He first announced his ALS diagnosis in a statement to People in April, telling the mag that he is staying dedicated to his work and family while best preparing for what’s to come. The Mayo Clinic cites ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, as a degenerative and fatal nervous system condition that affects cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control that worsens over time. There is currently no cure.