Eric Dane's Daughter Realized He Couldn't Swim After ALS Diagnosis and Stepped In to Save Him

Eric Dane revealed an emotional moment when one of his daughters had to help him back to safety during a snorkeling trip, after he discovered he could no longer swim due to the effects of ALS.

Two months after publicly sharing his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Eric Dane is opening up about how the disease is changing his life, and how his teenage daughter helped him during a vulnerable moment at sea.

In an interview aired on June 16, 2025 with "Good Morning America's" Diane Sawyer, the "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria" star recalled a recent snorkeling experience that turned into a wake-up call.

"When I jumped into the ocean that day and realized I couldn't swim, generate enough power to get myself back to the boat I thought, 'Oh god,' and then I realized in that moment I'm not safe in the water anymore," said Dane, 52. He shared that one of his daughters had to assist him back to the boat, and the moment brought him to tears.

I was breaking down in tears so I made sure she got back in the water with her friend and continued on with the snorkeling with the guide but I was just heartbroken," he added.

Dane, who shares daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, with actress Rebecca Gayheart, said ALS is something he carries with him constantly.

"I will never forget those three letters," he said. "It's on me the second I wake up."

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impacts nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the loss of muscle control. Dane revealed that he has already lost function in his dominant right hand and is beginning to lose it in his left.

Despite the physical and emotional toll, Dane expressed gratitude for the support of his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, who filed to dismiss their divorce in March.

"I talk to her every day," he said, visibly emotional. "We have managed to become better friends and better parents. And she is probably my biggest champion. I lean on her."

Though there is no cure for ALS, Dane emphasized his determination to maintain the quality of his life for as long as he can.