Eric Dane is leading his ALS battle with grace, courage, and an unwavering spirit. The “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria” star made his first red carpet appearance since revealing his ALS diagnosis.
Eric was seen attending the Los Angeles premiere of his new series, “Countdown”, on Wednesday night.
Eric Dane Steps Out at ‘Countdown’ Premiere: ‘I Feel Good’
At Amazon MGM’s Countdown premiere, held at the Harmony Gold Theater, Dane walked the carpet alongside co-stars Jensen Ackles, Jessica Camacho, Elliot Knight, Violett Beane, and Uli Latukefu, and show creator Derek Haas.
“I feel good,” the 52-year-old actor told Variety. “It’s nice to be here with everybody and see the hours and hours of work that we put into this come alive on screen.”
Eric Dane Says He’ll Keep Acting Despite ALS: ‘I’m Going to Keep Doing It’
Dane, who was diagnosed with ALS in April, also opened up about his determination to keep acting.
“It always feels great to be on a set,” he said. “It’s great to be employed. I love what I give. I’m going to keep doing it.”
In addition to Countdown, Dane is preparing for HBO’s long-awaited third season of Euphoria.
“You’re going to get more of the same, which I think for that show is a good thing,” he said of the upcoming episodes. “We’re moving right along. I don’t know exactly what it is I’m doing, per se, but I trust [creator] Sam Levinson with every fiber of my being.”
Eric Dane Walks Red Carpet With New Companion Janell Shirtcliff
Dane walked hand in hand with photographer and filmmaker Janell Shirtcliff, and the two posed together for photos.
For the evening, Dane kept it relaxed in a white T-shirt with a matching cardigan, tan corduroy pants, and Adidas sneakers. Shirtcliff wore a dark red corduroy dress with coordinating sunglasses.
“They were holding hands and at one point, rubbing each other’s backs,” an eyewitness exclusively told Us Weekly.
“Janelle appeared to know some of Eric’s costars, but Eric was also introducing her to other guests. She appeared excited to support him on his big night and fit right in.”
Eric Dane Speaks Out on Facing ALS with Courage and Hope
Dane’s public appearance comes after his emotional Good Morning America interview with Diane Sawyer, where he revealed the current impact of ALS on his body.
“My left side is functioning; my right side has completely stopped working,” he shared. “I feel like maybe a couple more months and I won’t have my left hand either. It’s sobering.”
He was diagnosed with ALS after nine months of testing, following the first symptoms in his right hand.
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that breaks down nerve cells, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually impacting breathing and speech. There is no known cure.
Despite the challenges ahead, Dane remains determined to continue working as long as possible.
“I am ready and willing to do just about anything, but I have limitations that I understand will preclude me from playing certain roles,” Dane said. “I’m working on Euphoria. I finished Countdown. As far as that goes, I’m pretty capable.”
Countdown Premieres June 25 on Prime Video
The first three episodes of Countdown will debut on Prime Video on June 25. New episodes will air weekly, with the season finale scheduled for September 3.
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Eric Dane Returns to Red Carpet, Vows to Keep Acting Amid ALS Battle