Colman Domingo has wished Eric Dane well amid his fellow ‘Euphoria’ actor’s health battle. The supportive message comes as the entertainment industry rallies around Dane during this difficult time.
The star’s co-star on the show was recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and the 55-year-old actor has now opened up about his shock at hearing Eric’s sad news. ALS affects thousands of people worldwide, with each diagnosis bringing unique challenges to patients and their families.
“I haven’t been able to speak with him yet,” he told People about how he learned of his friend’s diagnosis the same day it was shared with the public. This revelation highlights the private nature of Dane’s health struggle before the public announcement.
Colman added about how he is backing Eric: “I just got the news yesterday too, and I’m wishing him well. I look forward to working with him.” Their professional relationship spans several years on the critically acclaimed HBO series.
Colman plays Ali in ‘Euphoria’ – a mentor to and sponsor for Zendaya’s drug-addled character Rue, while Eric plays troubled Cal Jacobs, the patriarch of the Jacobs family. The show has garnered significant praise from critics and audiences alike since its debut.
‘Euphoria’ was renewed for a third season in February 2022, and production began just two months ago. The series has developed a devoted following for its unflinching portrayal of teenage life and complex character development.
Eric, 52, revealed his ALS diagnosis in an exclusive interview with People on Thursday (10.04.25.) The announcement came as a shock to fans and colleagues alike, generating an outpouring of support across social media platforms.
“I have been diagnosed with ALS,” he said. “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter. I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to the set of ‘Euphoria’ next week.” His determination to continue working has been praised by many in the entertainment industry.
The rare and progressive disease causes paralysis of the muscles, affecting speech, walking, and other motor functions. Medical research for ALS continues as scientists work to better understand and treat this challenging condition.
Eric has two children, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13, with his wife, Rebecca Gayheart. The couple has been married since 2004 and has faced previous challenges together publicly.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is an illness that typically leads to progressive loss of muscle control, including the ability to speak, eat and breathe. The disease is named after the famous baseball player who brought public attention to this condition.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association estimates those diagnosed with the condition usually live three to five years after their diagnosis, though some patients survive for decades. Ongoing research aims to improve treatment options for those affected.
Other celebrities diagnosed with ALS include Aaron Lazar, John Driskell Hopkins and Stephen Hawking. Hawking’s case is particularly well-known for his remarkable longevity while living with the disease.
Eric is set to return to Euphoria for its third season, with filming scheduled to resume on Monday (14.04.25.) The production team has reportedly made accommodations to ensure Dane can continue his role.
He also recently completed work on the Amazon crime drama series ‘Countdown’. The show is among several projects Dane has been involved with outside of his work on Euphoria.
Fans can expect more drama for his character, Cal Jacobs, in the new ‘Euphoria’ series as Eric has hinted at a potential redemption arc following his character’s arrest at the end of season two. This storyline development was planned before his diagnosis.
“There’s gonna be redemption… I can’t imagine Cal’s life from solitary confinement. It’s tough to work Cal into the storyline when he’s behind bars,” he told Variety about the upcoming series. The creative team continues to develop compelling narratives for all characters as the series progresses.
The third season of ‘Euphoria‘ is highly anticipated by fans worldwide, who have been following the show’s development closely since the conclusion of the second season. The series continues to explore challenging themes while showcasing the talents of its ensemble cast.
