Eric Dane sat down with Good Morning America’s Diane Sawyer for what marks his first television interview since revealing his ALS diagnosis in April.
“I wake up every day and I’m immediately reminded that this is happening,” Dane tells Sawyer in a teaser clip posted by GMA on Thursday morning, to which Sawyer replies, “It’s not a dream.” Dane confirms that it is not a dream and he really is facing the brutal reality of ALS, which is often referred to as one of the most cruel diseases one can face.
The brief 30-second clip also finds Dane expressing optimism by saying, “I don’t think this is the end of my story. I don’t feel like this is the end of me.” Judging by the teaser, it appears to be a powerful conversation as it shows Sawyer and Dane holding hands at one point, and Dane breaking down in tears at another. Some of the footage also features the two walking down the street on a sunny day.
When he revealed his diagnosis two months back, Dane said, “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter. I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week. I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.” It’s unclear if he’s already wrapped his role as Cal Jacobs for the third season of the critically acclaimed HBO Max series.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS and Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurological disease that is always fatal. It causes nerve cells to gradually break down and die, and eventually all muscles are affected, leading to full paralysis while the mind still is active. Life expectancy depends on the type of ALS one is diagnosed though the typical average is two to five years. While there is no cure, there have been recent medical advancements, including new medications, to fight the disease.
Sawyer’s full interview with Dane is scheduled to air on Good Morning America at 7 a.m. ET on Monday, June 16.
