The news came as a shock. On April 10, Eric Dane revealed that he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease with a typical survival rate of just two to five years.
“I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter,” Eric, 52, told People at the time. “I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to the set of Euphoria next week. I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
A source exclusively tells In Touch that Eric is “trying to stay positive for the sake of his family,” referring to his daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, as well as wife Rebecca Gayheart, and says that he’s “ready to fight” the disease.
The couple — who wed in 2004 — had filed for divorce in 2018, but Rebecca, 53, withdrew her divorce petition in March. The source notes that the pair “mutually” agreed to call off their split.
“We are best of friends. We are really close. We really figured out the formula to staying a family,” Rebecca told E! News on April 9, one day before he shared his diagnosis publicly. “I think it’s important to not look at a relationship that ends as a failure. It’s just a season. It wasn’t a failure. It was a huge success. We were married for, I mean, we are still married, but together for 15 years and we had two beautiful kids so I think that’s a successful relationship, and that’s how we look at it.”
According to the source, “Rebecca has stepped up, and this has actually renewed their connection as a couple,” adding that the devastating news “has been a wake-up call” for the Euphoria star. “He doesn’t know how much time he has, but he is going to make the most of it.”
First and foremost, that means spending quality time with his family. Among the bonding activities on the docket?
“Hiking, bike rides, bowling, weekend trips and he loves to get in the kitchen and cook with his family,” says the source. “Eric also likes to take the girls shopping!”
“All that matters now is that Eric lives a happy life for as long as possible,” the source shares. “Rebecca has been a source of strength for Eric and it means everything to him. The mistakes of the past have been forgiven.”
The Grey’s Anatomy alum also hasn’t given up his day job. In addition to Euphoria, Eric — who has shared how grateful he is that he gets to continue acting — just wrapped Prime Video’s upcoming crime drama series Countdown.
“He wants to keep working, and everyone has been supportive,” says the source. “But he doesn’t want pity. And he’s still reserving his best time for loved ones.”
According to the source, Eric has hopes that his diagnosis isn’t as “dire” as it sounds.
“Maybe he’s in denial,” the source says. “He’s hoping he’s one of the lucky ones.”
