‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star Unrecognizable After Heartbreaking Diagnosis

An early member of the “Grey’s Anatomy” family is a shadow of his former self after the ALS-stricken actor was recently spotted riding through Washington, D.C., this week.

Eric Dane, who charmed TV critics and fans alike as plastic surgeon chief Mark Sloan, has battled the terminal neurological condition since 2024. He announced in April that his condition was quickly deteriorating.

The 52-year-old actor appeared frail while being carted through Ronald Reagan International Airport by an aide. His shocking public appearance comes just months after Dane admitted he was “worried about my legs” giving out.

A photographer who chased Dane through the terminal asked if he had any parting wish or advice for his fans who cheered on his romance with characters Lexie Grey and Addison Montgomery from seasons 3 through 9 of the show.

“What would you say to your fans who are hoping everything is okay?” the paparazzi asked.

Dane replied in a gruff voice: “Keep the faith, man.”

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A source close to the acclaimed actor told the Daily Mail, “This diagnosis has been devastating and as much as Eric has leaned on his Jewish faith to get through it all, it has been his family and friends that have really stepped up and have made him feel loved.”

“Because all through this, it just keeps getting worse and is very sad, but Eric is trying to put on as much of a brave face as possible because he wants to enjoy what he has now, because he now knows with his full heart that tomorrow isn’t promised.”

“He wants to live life and he doesn’t want people grieving him or for him while he is going through this terrible disease, he just wants the people in his life to be present and as happy as they can be, he wants to always surround himself with positivity, that is a major thing that is driving him nowadays.”

The Screen Actors Guild Award winner revealed in June that ALS has left him with just “one functioning arm.”

“My dominant side. My left side is functioning, my right side has completely stopped working,” he explained.

“It’s going. I feel like maybe a couple, few more months, and I won’t have my left hand either. It’s sobering.”

Dane said at the time that he felt the loss of his legs was imminent. The Daily Mail reported that Dane was seen walking as recently as September 18.

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is an incurable neurological wasting disease that progressively affects motor function and the body’s ability to communicate with muscles.