Eric Dane, best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy, has recently been seen in public looking frail and confined to a wheelchair, a stark contrast to the confident, silver-haired heartthrob that captivated audiences for years.

This appearance came just days after he met with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., advocating for urgent action to combat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the devastating and incurable disease he has been courageously battling.

Dane, 52, has faced an incredibly rapid and heartbreaking decline in his health since publicly revealing his diagnosis in April 2025.

Once physically strong and active, he now navigates life with the assistance of a wheelchair.

Photos taken on a street in the nation’s capital show the actor dressed in a dark windbreaker, slacks, and tinted glasses, his frame significantly thinner, his face marked by the somber reality of his condition.

His left hand rests gently in his lap while his right hand grips the chair’s movement controller, signaling the loss of full mobility. A black crossbody bag hangs securely across his torso.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that gradually robs individuals of their ability to walk, speak, eat, and eventually breathe. Dane’s struggles to communicate clearly are a common and heartbreaking symptom of the disease’s progression. According to insiders and reports from the Daily Mail, the actor’s condition has deteriorated sharply over the past several months. Just a few months ago, he revealed he had lost full use of his right arm and feared the left side would soon follow.

Despite the swift decline, Dane remains resolute. An insider close to the actor shared, “This diagnosis has been devastating for Eric. His Jewish faith has been a source of strength, but it’s the love and support of family and friends that have truly sustained him through this dark time.”

The same source added that Eric is determined to maintain a brave face. “He knows every day is a gift and he’s trying to enjoy the moments he has now. He doesn’t want people to grieve for him while he’s still here. Instead, he wants those around him to stay positive and happy — that’s what keeps him going.”

Behind the scenes, Eric’s family is grappling with the emotional toll of his illness. Actress Rebecca Gayheart, Eric’s wife, has been open about the impact on their two daughters, ages 15 and 13. Speaking at the Step Up Inspiration Awards in late September, Gayheart shared, “We have professional therapists helping us. We are trying to hold on to hope and face this challenge with dignity, grace, and love.”

The anguish, she revealed, is especially intense for their children. “It’s heartbreaking. My girls are really suffering. We’re just trying to get through each day the best way we can.” Despite having filed for divorce in 2018, Eric and Rebecca reconciled and remain deeply connected as a family. “Eric will always be my family, whether we are married or not, or living together or not. This disease has brought us closer, but it’s a terrible reason why. I wish there was a cure.”

Eric has also spoken candidly about the reality of living with ALS. In a heartfelt interview with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America, he said, “I wake up every day, and I’m immediately reminded that this is happening. It’s not a dream.”

In addition to managing the physical and emotional challenges of ALS, Dane has become a passionate advocate for research and awareness. Although he was unable to attend the 2025 Emmy Awards due to his health, he used the moment to promote his partnership with the nonprofit I AM ALS. In a video message shared in September, he introduced himself as “Eric, an actor, a father, and now a person living with ALS,” calling on the public and lawmakers to take urgent action.

“We need the fastest path to a cure,” he said. “Our goal is to raise a billion dollars over the next three years. Together, we’ll renew the landmark Act for ALS, provide promising treatments to thousands of patients like me, and finally push toward ending this disease once and for all.”

Rebecca Gayheart remains a steady presence in Eric’s life, continuing her philanthropic efforts, particularly supporting young women through mentorship programs like Step Up, while standing strong beside her husband.

Only days before his public appearance in a wheelchair, Dane met with Congressman Eric Swalwell from California to advocate for renewed legislative support in the fight against ALS. Despite the challenges of slurred speech, Dane spoke with powerful determination.

“It often takes too long for people to be diagnosed,” Dane said during the meeting. He praised the existing Act for ALS, emphasizing its critical role in expanding access to care and treatment.

As the conversation turned to renewing this vital bipartisan legislation—which funds research and patient care—Dane made his mission deeply personal. “I want to ring every bell,” he said with heartfelt emotion. “I have two daughters at home. I want to see them graduate from college, get married, maybe have grandkids. I want to be there for all of it. I’m going to fight until my last breath.”

Congressman Swalwell responded, “We’re all in it with you.” Dane replied simply, “Thank you. Let’s do it.” The video of this meeting quickly spread across social media, sparking a wave of heartbreak among fans who were shocked by how rapidly the disease has advanced. Comments poured in, expressing sorrow and disbelief.

“He is declining so fast. This hurts my heart,” one fan wrote. Another commented, “He announced this year he still had some mobility, but now it’s happening so quickly. I thought it would take years.”

Many viewers struggled to watch the clip in full. “This is a hard watch ,” one said. Another wrote, “It makes me so sad. He’s declining so fast.” One fan summed up the feelings of many: “I don’t want to lose him .”

Through all of this, Eric Dane’s voice remains strong. His courage, advocacy, and love for his family shine brightly in the face of a relentless and cruel disease. While his body grows weaker, his resolve only deepens. Dane continues to inspire others with his commitment to fight, raise awareness, and push for a cure, demonstrating grace, grit, and unbreakable love in the darkest of times.