Eric Dane to Play Firefighter with ALS

Eric Dane, 52, who revealed an ALS diagnosis in April, will guest-star as Matthew, a firefighter struggling to share his ALS diagnosis, in Season 2, Episode 9 (209) of NBC’s medical drama Brilliant Minds; NBC and outlets have released on-set photos of Dane with series star Zachary Quinto and the episode is expected to air in November. Dane’s ALS has visibly progressed — he has described losing function in his right arm, begun using a wheelchair and recently missed a Grey’s Anatomy reunion after a fall — but he says he feels fortunate to keep working. He is continuing to take roles, including on Euphoria, while also advocating for federal funding and research into the incurable, progressive nervous-system disease. Brilliant Minds, inspired by neurologist Oliver Sacks and led by Zachary Quinto’s Dr. Oliver Wolf, will depict ALS within its exploration of medical mysteries and is produced by a team that includes Greg Berlanti.