Rebecca Gayheart Opens Up About Caregiving for Eric Dane
The world was first made aware of Eric Dane’s health struggles in April 2025, when the actor publicly shared his ALS diagnosis. Known to millions as the rugged "McSteamy" (Dr. Mark Sloan) on Grey's Anatomy and more recently as Cal Jacobs on Euphoria, Dane’s real life battle has proven far more challenging than any scripted drama. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a terminal condition that attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles, eventually leading to paralysis.
Rebecca Gayheart’s recent essay for The Cut detailed the administrative nightmare of securing the around the clock care Dane now requires. She described a relentless "battle" with insurance companies that initially denied coverage for home nursing. "I made it my mission," Gayheart wrote, describing herself as being "locked in" to the cause. After two successful appeals, the family finally secured the professional support necessary to keep Dane comfortable at home.
Rebecca Gayheart: From Estranged Wife to Dedicated Caregiver
The relationship between Gayheart and Dane has long been described by the actress as "super complicated." While they have lived in separate homes for eight years and have both dated other people, they never finalized their divorce. In March 2025, just weeks before Dane went public with his illness, Gayheart officially dismissed her divorce petition to focus entirely on his stability and the well being of their two daughters, Billie (15) and Georgia (14).
Gayheart revealed that Dane’s weekly care is currently divided into 21 individual shifts. Despite the professional help, gaps in the schedule are frequent. When a nurse is unavailable, Gayheart often fills the void herself. She recalled a recent instance where she covered a four hour window amidst her daughters' busy schedules, eventually calling on two of Dane’s close friends to assist with a 12 hour shift.
The Physical Toll and Early Warning Signs
The progression of the disease has been rapid. In a June interview with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America, Dane shared that he had already lost function in his right arm. More recently, he has been photographed using a wheelchair, a stark contrast to the athletic roles that defined his career.
Gayheart reflected on the early signs they missed a year prior to the official diagnosis. She noted that during family meals, Dane began struggling with basic motor tasks, such as using chopsticks or holding his fork. At the time, they hoped it was a minor nerve issue, but a tearful phone call from a neurologist in San Francisco eventually confirmed their worst fears.
"Our love may not be romantic, but it's a familial love," Gayheart explained. "Eric knows that I am always going to want the best for him. That I'm going to do my best to do right by him."
Continuing the Legacy Through Advocacy
Despite his physical limitations, Eric Dane remains a vocal advocate for the ALS community. In September 2025, he was named "Advocate of the Year" by the ALS Network. He has partnered with the "I AM ALS" organization to launch the Push for Progress campaign, which aims to secure $1 billion in federal funding for research and treatment.
Dane has also continued to work when possible, recently appearing in the series Brilliant Minds as a firefighter living with ALS. He has expressed a desire to continue acting, specifically in roles that reflect his current reality, using his platform to humanize a disease that is often underfunded and misunderstood.
A Model of "Familial Love" for Their Daughters
For Gayheart and Dane, the priority remains their teenage daughters. Gayheart noted that while the situation is "heartbreaking," it has allowed the girls to see a softer, more vulnerable side of their parents. By presenting a united front and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system with grace, Gayheart hopes to model resilience for Billie and Georgia.
The journey ahead remains uncertain, as ALS has no known cure. However, with 24/7 care established and a dedicated support system consisting of family and longtime friends, Eric Dane is determined to fight for as much time as possible.