Eric Dane Calls ‘Countdown’ Role a ‘Welcome Distraction’ From ALS Battle: ‘It’s Kept Me Moving Forward’

Eric Dane expertly tackled a scene from Episode 5 of the Amazon crime drama “Countdown” and Collider posted a clip. See the video below.

The 52-year-old is probably best loved for playing Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloane, the best friend of Patrick Dempsey’s “McDreamy” on Grey’s Anatomy, which he joined in the show’s third season. He also made a splash in the shoestring-budget psychological horror film “Adrift 2: Open Water.” Seven years after leaving the medical drama that made him a household name, Dane once again became part of a must-watch television show by taking on the role of Nate’s Dad, Cal, in “Euphoria.”

In “Countdown,” Dane plays Special Agent Nathan Blythe. In its June 2024 announcement about Dane’s involvement with the show, Deadline called his character “cut, trim, fit, and packing an imposing glare.”

Eric Dane Previously Vowed to Keep Working

As you know, Dane announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. Two months later, E! News says he opened up to them about his plans to continue performing for as long as he can. “I’m going to ride this thing till the wheels fall off,” the report says he declared.

Dane said being at work make him “feel great,” and that despite some setbacks, his “spirit is pretty buoyant.” The actors also suggested continuing his craft is one of the best things he can do for his health. “It keeps me sharp. It keeps me moving forward, which is super important right now,” he said.

Eric Dane Revealed What ‘Countdown’ Means to Him

Around the end of June 2025, Entertainment Tonight released an interview in which Dane and his costar Jensen Ackles sat down with the outlet’s Kevin Frazier. Dane said “It’s been great” when asked about his experience so far on the show. “It’s been a welcome distraction. It’s also kept me moving forward,” he went on.

The San Francisco native also showed appreciation for the rest of the cast, saying, “It gives me a sense of purpose and I love going to work with these people.” Jensen Ackles, who plays detective Mark Meachum, chimed in that “chemistry happened immediately” when the cast came together.

New episodes of ‘Countdown’ are released on Wednesdays.