The ALS pandemic in the entertainment industry continues, with Russell Andrews being the latest to be diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease.

The “Straight Outta Compton” star recently announced his diagnosis, revealing that he had received the news last year after multiple concerning symptoms.

Russell Andrews announced his diagnosis months after ALS became the underlying cause of actor Eric Dane’s death. The latter took his final breath on February 19, 2026.

Russell Andrews Opens Up About Living With ALS

Andrews broke his silence on his heartbreaking diagnosis during a recent appearance on CNN’s “The Story Is with Elex Michaelson.” The episode shared on YouTube on Saturday, May 16, featured Andrews and his fiancée, actress Erica Tazel.

The actor confirmed that he had been diagnosed with ALS “in the late fall of last year,” describing his experience so far as “humbling.” He shared that he couldn’t have moved forward without the incredible community he and Tazel found with the nonprofit ALS Network.

“They have not let us miss a step in terms of care, the attention, the awareness, and the ability to get me here today,” Andrews said. When asked about what led to his diagnosis, the TV personality explained that he started noticing the red flags during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Actor Initially Believed That He Had Suffered A Stroke

According to Andrews, he initially believed that he had a stroke during the pandemic and dismissed his symptoms as signs of nerves in the years that followed. Seemingly referencing the 2023 actors’ strike, he noted he had experienced “a stressful time” without work.

Andrews noted that he and Tazel did not work for three years with the back-to-back strikes and occasionally experienced “twitches.” At the time, he suspected he “was having pinched nerves” in his neck, but soon realized that he could no longer do the things he used to do. In Andrews’ words:

“I was dropping cups and glasses at night. It felt like things were running up and down my arm at different times, and it was the nerves.”

The Entertainer’s Fiancée Declared Her Willingness To Stay By His Side

Tazel chimed in about Andrews’ concerning symptoms, recalling that he took longer to clean the pool, and the way he walked had changed. She would tell him something was definitely wrong, but they couldn’t get a clear answer because Andrews lost his insurance while out of work.

When the actor finally had insurance again, he immediately consulted a doctor, who referred him to a neurologist. Tazel shared that the ALS diagnosis “was an answer to a lot of questions” that they had, claiming she had been “uncharacteristically calm” when they heard the news.

“I looked at him across the room, and I said, ‘At least now we know what it is, and I still want to be your wife,'” Tazel recalled. Her words struck a chord with fans, who praised the actress for remaining devoted to Andrews in his time of need.

Who Is Russell Andrews’ Fiancée?

Tazel’s bold declaration to stand by Andrews’ side sparked renewed interest in her life and career. As reported by Bollywoodshaadis, Tazel is an American theatre and television actress best known for playing Deputy U.S. Marshal Rachel Brooks on FX’s hit crime drama, “Justified.”

The entertainer was born in March 1977 and grew up in Dallas, Texas, where she reportedly developed a passion for acting and the theatre at an early age. She graduated from the renowned Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas.

After graduation, Tazel moved to Georgia to attend Spelman College and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. She later graduated with a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree from the Graduate Acting program of New York University’s (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts.

Eric Dane’s Cause Of Death Revealed

As stated, Andrews’ ALS diagnosis came months after another famous actor died after battling the neurodegenerative disease. The Blast reported in March that Eric Dane’s cause of death had been revealed via his official death certificate.

The document explained that Dane had died from respiratory failure, while citing ALS as an underlying cause of death. The death certificate was unveiled weeks after Dane died on February 19, leaving behind his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two children, daughters Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine.

Dane’s family confirmed his passing in a poignant statement, hailing him for his courageous battle with ALS. The statement noted that he had spent his final days surrounded by love, while still advocating for awareness and research on ALS. 

Stay strong, Russell Andrews!