Eric Dane Leaves Fans Emotional With 'Brilliant Minds' Role Amid ALS Battle

Eric Dane's talents haven't dimmed in the slightest, as he receives high praise for his emotional performance on "Brilliant Minds."

The beloved actor is best known for his role as Mark Sloan, aka Dr. McSteamy, on ABC's medical drama "Grey's Anatomy." He recently appeared in an episode of another popular medical drama series, not as a doctor but as a firefighter living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The role marked Eric Dane's comeback to acting following his ALS diagnosis. Although the progressive neurodegenerative condition has led to his frequent use of a wheelchair, the Hollywood heartthrob refuses to quit without a fight.

Dane wore his heart on his sleeve while playing the firefighter Matthew Ramati on an episode of "Brilliant Minds" that was dedicated to raising awareness about ALS. His raw and emotional performance left fans in tears, with many expressing their feelings on X.

"Eric Dane is on Brilliant Minds. His ALS is so apparent now. Omg. God bless him," someone penned. Another agreed that it was "sad" watching Dane play a man with ALS, knowing he's battling the neurodegenerative condition in reality.

A third noted that with or without ALS, Dane would always be the "handsome Dr. McSteamy" to them. The love and support for the TV personality continued, with a fan raving about how fantastic it was to see him keep acting despite his debilitating condition.

"I wish sickness didn't exist. He will always be our McSteamy. Eric Dane did a terrific job in this episode!" the same fan wrote in a separate tweet. A fellow supporter agreed, sharing a meme of someone crying alongside the words: "Watching Eric Dane in this new episode makes me really sad!"

Fans weren't the only ones impressed by Dane's emotional performance, as "Brilliant Minds" showrunner Michael Grassi showered him in praise. He told NBC Insider that the episode was filled with multiple tear-jerking moments; however, Dane had them in their feelings in the final scene.

The medical drama series typically concluded each episode with Zachary Quinto's character, Dr. Oliver Wolf. The episodes would close out with the male lead's inner monologue, but for Dane's ALS awareness episode, the honor was given to him.

Grassi recalled that the episode concluded with the emotional message Dane's character had recorded for a voice-banking app. "That scene was so moving, and Eric's performance in it was so vulnerable and so beautiful," the series' creator recalled, adding:

"After we called cut on that scene and wrapped that scene, the entire crew stood up and clapped Matthew out that day for about 10 minutes."

The episode, per Grassi, followed Dane's character navigating through his ALS diagnosis and wondering how to break the news to his adult daughter and ex-wife. As a veteran firefighter, Dane's character feared becoming a burden to his loved ones.

Grassi explained that they chose such an emotional story to showcase the complexities involved in receiving help from others. As a veteran firefighter, Dane's character was used to saving lives and having others depend on him. However, he had to learn how to accept help from others following his ALS diagnosis.

"It's been a lifelong struggle of his to let people help him. He's stubborn, and I love that about his character," Grassi said. Dane did a phenomenal job bringing the character to life, with "Brilliant Minds" star John Clarence Stewart noting he was a joy to work with.

Dane's emotional performance on the medical drama series marked one of the goals he set out to achieve amid his ALS battle. The Blast reported in October that he had vowed to keep acting and spend more time with his children.

He shared his goals while talking to California congressman Eric Swalwell alongside doctors and representatives from the I Am ALS organization to discuss federal funding for the neurodegenerative disease. Dane declared that he wouldn't let ALS stop him from having a future with his two daughters.

The actor vowed to "ring every bell" with them, noting he wanted to see them graduate, get married, and even have kids. "I wanna be there for all that. So, I'm gonna fight until the last breath on this one," Dane said. He welcomed two daughters with his estranged wife, Rebecca Gayheart.

Last week, Gayheart made an appearance on the "Broad Ideas" podcast, where she addressed Dane's ALS battle. The Blast covered the story, reporting that she got candid about her mental health and how she tried to "stay optimistic."

Gayheart explained that she tried to be there for Dane and their two children, but there were moments when she wasn't sure if she was on the right path. She added that it was particularly challenging to navigate Dane's ALS battle given their years-long separation.

Dane and Gayheart tied the knot in October 2004 and spent nearly 14 years together before pulling the plug on their marriage in February 2018. They were deadlocked in a 7-year divorce battle before calling it off earlier this year amid the actor's condition.

What will Eric Dane do next?