Eric Dane, who revealed in April that he had been diagnosed with ALS, will guest star in the Monday, November 24 installment of “Brilliant Minds” as Matthew, a heroic firefighter facing the same devastating diagnosis.
NBC Shares First Photos of Eric Dane’s Emotional ‘Brilliant Minds’ Episode
NBCIn new photos from NBC Universal offer an intimate look at Matthew’s storyline as he struggles to share his ALS diagnosis.
According to the official synopsis for the episode, “The Firefighter”:
“Dr. Wolf helps a firefighter (Eric Dane) and his family navigate a life-changing diagnosis on Thanksgiving. Eric Dane plays “Matthew Ramati,” a heroic firefighter who struggles to share his ALS diagnosis with his family. Mädchen Amick is “Alicia Ramati,” a strong-willed woman who wears her emotions on her sleeve, especially when it comes to her firefighting ex-husband, Matthew (Dane). She’s not afraid to state her opinion and care for the ones she loves.”
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is described by the Mayo Clinic as “a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS causes loss of muscle control.” While treatment cannot cure the disease, it may slow its progression.
The ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star’s Real-Life Diagnosis and Ongoing Health Journey
NBCEric Dane’s guest role comes just months after he publicly confirmed his ALS diagnosis. In April, he told People, “I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.” The actor, 52, shares two daughters, Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine, with his wife, Rebecca Gayheart.
Dane added, “I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of ‘Euphoria’ next week. I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.” Production on season 3 of the HBO series was scheduled to begin on April 14.
His health challenges also led him to miss a planned “Grey’s Anatomy” reunion at the 77th Emmy Awards.
Dane explained he was “getting stitches” after losing balance and falling in his kitchen shortly before he was scheduled to present with former co-star Jesse Williams.
Dane joins a list of notable public figures diagnosed with ALS, including Aaron Lazar, John Driskell Hopkins, Eric Stevens, Joe Bonsall, Roberta Flack, Kenneth Mitchell, and Stephen Hawking.
Eric Dane’s special episode of “Brilliant Minds” airs Monday, November 24, on NBC.
