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‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Alum Eric Dane Opens Up On His ALS Diagnosis to Diane Sawyer on ‘Good Morning America’

By Michael Fairman

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Courtesy/ABC

On Monday’s Good Morning America, Eric Dane the former “Dr. McSteamy” of Grey’s Anatomy sat down with Diane Sawyer for his first interview since receiving the heartbreaking news of his ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) diagnosis.

In what turned out to be an extremely emotional conversation, Dane, 52 revealed that he started having symptoms a year and a half ago and underwent nine months of tests, and being bounced from doctor to doctor before receiving the diagnosis of ALS.

Dane explained he was initially having symptoms in his right hand. “I didn’t really think anything of it at the time,” Dane shared with Sawyer, “I thought maybe I’d been texting too much or my hand was fatigued, but a few weeks later I noticed it got a little worse.” He also recalled, “I went and saw a neurologist and the neurologist sent me to another neurologist and said, ‘’This is way above my pay grade.’”

Photo: JPI

“I will never forget those three letters,” Dane said of getting confirmation of his ALS diagnosis. “It’s on me the second I wake up. It’s not a dream.” The actor also revealed that he now only has one functioning arm, and on the other arm he is beginning to lose strength and coordination.

Eric had been married to actress Rebecca Gayheart (ex-Hannah, Loving) and they have two daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13. Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018 after the couple had been married since 2004. However, one month after Dane received his ALS diagnosis, she dismissed the divorce.

In another heartbreaking account, Eric recalls the time when he could not swim after he lost function in his legs while snorkeling, and needed his young daughter to rescue him to safety and back to the boat. “I was like, breaking down in tears. I made sure she got back to the water with her friend and continued on with the snorkeling. I was just heartbroken,” said Dane.

Photo: ABC

However, in the most gut-wrenching moment in the interview, when Sawyer asked who he speaks to to help him through the difficult times, he said it was Rebecca Gayheart. With tears in his eyes, Eric explained that he speaks Gayheart every day, adding, “We have managed to become better friends and better parents. She is probably my biggest champion and my most stalwart supporter. And I lean on her.”

Currently, Dane is set to continue filming his role on Cal Jacobs in season 3 of HBO’s hit drama, Euphoria. The actor is trying to stay present. “I’m fighting as much as I can. There’s so much about it that’s out of my control. I’m angry because my father was taken from me when I was young and now there’s a very good chance I’m going to be taken from my girls while they’re very young.”

Sadly, Dane’s father committed suicide when he was only 7-years-old, making his story more tragic since he understands not having a father around while growing up. As the interview concluded, Dane shared, “At the end of the day, all I want to do is spend time with my family and work a little bit if I can. They’re loved. They know it.”

Daytime fans know that ALS is the same disease that claimed the life of the iconic Michael Zaslow (ex-Roger, GL and ex-David, OLTL), and was also recently a storyline on General Hospital when the character of Gregory Chase played by Gregory Harrison succumbed to the disease.

Watch Eric Dane’s first interview since ALS diagnosis with Good Morning America below.

Now let us know, what did you think of Eric’s journey to learning he has ALS? Have you been a fan of Dane’s throughout his TV and film career? Comment below.

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Prayers to him and his family, great actor and all, I hate to read this and know that he and his family are going through this ordeal. Your children and wife are strong and I pray that you somehow a miracle will occur and you get through this ordeal.

My first ALS symptom occurred in 2016, but was diagnosed in 2018. I had severe symptoms ranging from shortness of breath, balance problems, couldn’t walk without a walker or a power chair, i had difficulty swallowing and fatiue. I was given medications which helped but only for a short burst of time, then I decided to try alternative measures and began on ALS Formula treatment from Aknni herbs centre, It has made a tremendous difference for me (Visit ww w. aknniherbscentre.c om). I had improved walking balance, increased appetite, muscle strength, improved eyesight and others.

My first ALS symptom occurred in 2016, but was diagnosed in 2018. I had severe symptoms ranging from shortness of breath, balance problems, couldn’t walk without a walker or a power chair, i had difficulty swallowing and fatiue. I was given medications which helped but only for a short burst of time, then I decided to try alternative measures and began on ALS Formula treatment from Aknni herbs centre, It has made a tremendous difference for me (Visit ww w. aknniherbscentre.c om). I had improved walking balance, increased appetite, muscle strength, improved eyesight and others.

This is such a terrible diagnosis. My heart goes out to him and his family. Fortunately, it sounds like he has an excellent neurologist and treatment team. He has to stay positive and maintain what he has and make adaptations to keep him as independent as possible for as long as possible. I most definitely do remember with the last Michael Zaslow returned to One Life to Live with ALS. Prayers for Eric and his family.

Last year when ALS began to take over, I stopped recognizing myself. I lost my smile, my balance, and my independence. Used different treatments that didn’t work, and neither standard treatments like riluzole nor high-dose B12 did very little for me. I used different supplements that didn’t work, so last July, I tried the ALS/MND protocol—the best decision ever! my symptoms eased. My strength returned, and I sleep soundly. I feel like a new man, and I can walk and exercise again.

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‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)

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The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.

Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.

While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100,  A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman

HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM

Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.

There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC

A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN

In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”

Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”

So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.

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‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July

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There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.

The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.

On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI

THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.

Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.

The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.

As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.

Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.

So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order

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In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.

The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.

The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC

In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”

A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS

The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.

Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear.  The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.

It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.

So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.

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