Eric Dane, the American actor best known for playing Dr. Mark Sloan—affectionately dubbed “McSteamy”—on Grey’s Anatomy, was set to make a much-anticipated appearance at the 2025 Emmy Awards. Fans and industry insiders alike were eager for his reunion with former co-star Jesse Williams, especially as the pair were scheduled to present the award for Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series in honor of the show’s 20th anniversary. But when the telecast aired on September 14 in Los Angeles, only Williams took the stage, leaving viewers wondering about Dane’s absence.
Dane recently opened up to The Washington Post about the reason behind his no-show, revealing a far more serious situation than many realized. Just before the ceremony, Dane suffered a fall in his kitchen that resulted in a head injury. “ALS is a nasty disease. So I was in the hospital during the Emmys getting stitches put in my head,” he explained. The timing couldn’t have been worse, and Dane admitted, “I missed an opportunity I was really looking forward to. It would have been great to see Jesse and get reunited with some of my peers, and to be able to present in front of my colleagues, I thought, would have been a special moment. So I was really upset about it, but you know, there was nothing I could do about it.”
According to Page Six, Dane, 52, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in April 2025. ALS, sometimes known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, ultimately leading to the loss of muscle control. Dane’s diagnosis came after he began experiencing weakness in his right hand—a symptom he initially shrugged off as fatigue from texting or overuse. “I didn’t really think anything of it at the time,” he told Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America. “But a few weeks later, I noticed it had gotten a little worse.” By June, Dane revealed that he had lost function in his right arm and was concerned about his left side as well.
Despite these challenges, Dane has remained remarkably resilient. In an interview with People earlier this year, he expressed gratitude for his family’s support. “I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week,” he said. True to his word, Dane is expected to reprise his role as Cal Jacobs in the upcoming third season of HBO’s hit series Euphoria.
Jesse Williams, who presented the Emmy award alone, took a moment before the show to praise his longtime friend. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Williams said, “He’s solid. The man’s just solid, and we have to be careful, you know, as men to still, you know, take care of ourselves and he’s got a perfect balance going.” While Williams made no mention of Dane or Grey’s Anatomy during the ceremony itself, his comments on the red carpet underscored the deep bond the two actors share.
Missing the Emmys was a real blow for Dane, who saw the milestone as a chance to reconnect with old friends and colleagues. Yet, he hasn’t let disappointment or illness define his outlook. As he told The Washington Post, “I want to ring every bell. I have two daughters at home. I want to see them graduate college, get married, maybe even have grandkids. You know I want to be there for all that so I’m going to fight until the last breath on this one.”
His determination to fight ALS goes beyond his personal journey. In early October, Dane traveled to Washington, D.C., joining the nonprofit I AM ALS to advocate for the reauthorization of the ACT for ALS law. During a meeting with Rep. Frank Pallone, Dane emphasized the importance of expanding access to treatments and support for those affected by the disease. “That’s why ACT for ALS is so so great, and it’s because it broadens the access for everybody,” he said, highlighting his commitment to the broader ALS community.
ALS advocacy has become a new calling for Dane, who has used his platform to raise awareness for a condition that often remains in the shadows. According to the Daily Mail, a source close to Dane said, “He wants to enjoy what he has now because he now knows with his full heart that tomorrow isn’t promised.” The insider added, “He wants to live life and he doesn’t want people grieving him or for him while he is going through this terrible disease, he just wants the people in his life to be present and as happy as they can be, he wants to always surround himself with positivity, that is a major thing that is driving him nowadays.”
For fans of Grey’s Anatomy, Dane’s absence from the Emmy stage was a poignant reminder of the unpredictable challenges life can bring. The planned reunion with Jesse Williams would have marked two decades since the medical drama first captivated audiences, and for many, the moment felt incomplete without “McSteamy” in attendance. Still, Dane’s openness about his condition and his determination to keep working and advocating have inspired many who face similar struggles.
Looking ahead, Dane remains focused on his family and his work. He has made it clear that he intends to keep fighting ALS, not just for himself but for everyone touched by the disease. His story is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
As the entertainment world continues to rally around Eric Dane, his journey serves as both a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and a call to action for greater awareness and support for ALS research. Even as he navigates the uncertainties of his diagnosis, Dane’s resolve to “ring every bell” and be present for his daughters’ futures remains unwavering. For now, fans can look forward to seeing him on screen once again in Euphoria, a testament to his enduring spirit and love for his craft.
