Eric Dane recounts first ALS symptom in posthumous memoir
In his memoir, the late actor describes losing chopstick control as the initial sign of ALS, detailing the months leading to his diagnosis and his request for privacy.
Eric Dane wrote that the first indication of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) appeared during a family sushi dinner when he could not manipulate chopsticks with his right hand, noting tingling and numbness in his fingers. He initially dismissed the sensation as a nerve issue or fatigue from texting, but the problem worsened three weeks later, leaving him unable to grip the chopsticks. The memoir says this episode began a nine-month period of medical investigations before Dr. Mark Terrelonge of the University of California, San Francisco confirmed the ALS diagnosis. Dane announced the diagnosis in 2025, expressing gratitude for his family's support and asking for privacy. He also mentioned plans to return to his role as Cal Jacobs in the third season of “Euphoria,” appearing posthumously in an episode that aired in April after his death on February 19 at age 53. In a June 2025 interview on “Good Morning America,” Dane described the early weakness in his right hand and later loss of function in his dominant arm, noting he believed he had only a few months of use left. The memoir, scheduled for release on November 3, also recounts a near-drowning incident involving his youngest daughter and a conversation with estranged wife Rebecca Gayheart about his condition.