What Is Lou Gehrig’s Disease? Eric Dane’s ALS Diagnosis Explained

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is more commonly known as ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Grey’s Anatomy alum Eric Dane announced on Thursday, April 9, that he had been diagnosed with the nervous system disease.

“I have been diagnosed with ALS,” the 52-year-old actor shared in a statement. “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”

The actor is married to wife Rebecca Gayheart, with whom he shares two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13.

“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to [the] set of Euphoria next week,” he added. “I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”

Keep scrolling for everything to know about ALS:

What Is ALS?

ALS is “a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord,” according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms include a loss of muscle control, which gets worse over time, making it a degenerative disease.

Why Is ALS Called Lou Gehrig’s Disease?

Aside from its medical moniker, ALS has been nicknamed Lou Gehrig‘s disease because of the late MLB player who retired in 1939 because of the disease’s progression. Because he was a public figure, Gehrig’s diagnosis and eventual death due to ALS brought more awareness to the disease.

How Do You Get ALS?

The exact cause of ALS is still unknown. However, it has been widely reported that there might be a genetic component to the disease. “A small number of cases are inherited,” the Mayo Clinic published.

Is There a Cure for ALS?

There is currently no cure for ALS. Drugs have been created to slow the progression of the disease, which allows people to manage symptoms and live a longer life.

Related: Celebrities Who Have Battled ALS: Eric Dane, Stephen Hawking and More

From Lou Gehrig in 1939 to Eric Dane in 2025, celebrities have publicly dealt with what is now known as ALS for decades. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a terminal neurodegenerative disorder. The disease causes the individual to gradually lose control of their muscles, beginning gradually with muscle stiffness or […]

According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common cause of death for those diagnosed with ALS is breathing failure. While some people are able to live 10 years or longer following the diagnosis, more than half of those with ALS die within 14 to 18 months.

Which Celebrities Have Spoken Out About an ALS Diagnosis?

Aside from Dane and Gehrig, other stars have publicly shared their ALS battles. Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with ALS at age 21 and lived until age 76, dying in March 2018.

Singer Roberta Flack was diagnosed later on in life, revealing in 2022 that she also had ALS, which made it hard for her to sing. She died this past February from a cardiac arrest at age 88.