Eric Dane, best known as Mark “McSteamy” Sloan from Grey’s Anatomy, was diagnosed with ALS in April 2025, prompting concerns that he might step away from acting. Defying expectations, he returned to television in Brilliant Minds, portraying a firefighter and 9/11 hero facing his own ALS progression—a storyline that closely mirrors Dane’s real-life diagnosis.

His performance struck a powerful chord with the cast and crew. One emotional scene, in which his character reflects on learning to ask for help, earned Dane an unprecedented 10-minute standing ovation on set. Show creator Michael Grassi praised the honesty and bravery Dane brought to the role, noting how his willingness to share his experience raises awareness for others affected by ALS.

The storyline was developed after Dane’s team approached the show, hoping to explore how families navigate life after a difficult diagnosis. Grassi emphasized that ALS requires constant adaptation, as the condition evolves and forces patients and loved ones to continually adjust—an experience the episode aimed to depict with realism and compassion.

Filmed in October, this marks Dane’s first acting project since revealing his diagnosis. Alongside continuing his career, he has become an advocate for ALS research through the Push for Progress campaign. Motivated by his desire to be present for his daughters’ futures, Dane has vowed to “fight to the last breath” as he faces the disease.