Eric Dane is ready to share his story in a deeply personal way. The “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria” star has announced his upcoming memoir, “Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments,” which will be published by Maria Shriver’s Penguin Random House imprint, The Open Field. The book is set to arrive in 2026 and will highlight the most meaningful days of his life, from early career milestones to family moments and his experience living with ALS.
According to The Open Field, the memoir is a collection of defining moments Dane has carried with him over the years, including the births of his daughters, his first day on “Grey’s Anatomy,” his decision to get sober and the day he learned he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In a statement shared through the imprint and reported by People, Dane said the book is his way of capturing the days that shaped him. “I wake up every morning, and I’m immediately reminded that this is real — this illness, this challenge,” he said. He added that he hopes readers will “remember what it means to live with heart.”
Shriver called the actor’s story “courageous” and said she is honored to publish it, noting that the memoir will help readers better understand what ALS is and how to support those facing neurological conditions, per ABC News.
Dane Reflects on His ALS Diagnosis and Why He Chose to Write Now
Dane announced his ALS diagnosis in April and has been open about the challenges that come with it. ALS is a progressive neurological disease that affects movement, speech and breathing. Most patients live three to five years after diagnosis. Despite the reality of the illness, Dane has been clear that he refuses to let it silence his purpose.
During a recent virtual panel with NBC’s “Brilliant Minds” and advocacy group I AM ALS, Dane shared that, even on difficult days, he remains determined to keep working. “I’m not about to concede my purpose for some disease,” he said, per the Daily Mail. He added that he still has his mind, his speech and a desire to tell stories, which keeps him grounded in his work.
His guest role on “Brilliant Minds” became a powerful extension of this. Dane portrayed a firefighter with ALS — a storyline that closely mirrored his real life. He admitted the process was emotionally challenging but also cathartic, explaining that some scenes were hard to get through because the material hit so close to home.
Looking Ahead as Dane Continues Acting and Shares His Story
Even as his physical abilities change, Dane said he intends to continue acting in roles that make sense for where he is now. He acknowledged that future characters may need to address his condition, but emphasized that he is grateful to keep working in any capacity. “I’ll take on any role,” he said during the panel, adding that he is “willing to do just about anything” on screen.
For Dane, the memoir is an extension of that commitment: documenting the moments that shaped him, honoring the days that still give him purpose and creating something lasting for his family and his fans. As he put it in his statement, “If sharing this helps someone find meaning in their own days, then my story is worth telling.”
