Actor Eric Dane has opened up about the reason behind his unexpected absence from the 2025 Emmy Awards, revealing he was hospitalized after suffering a serious fall that required medical attention. The beloved Grey’s Anatomy star was scheduled to present at the prestigious ceremony alongside his former co-star Jesse Williams, but was forced to withdraw at the last minute.
In a candid interview with The Washington Post published Thursday (October 2, 2025), Dane explained that he experienced a hard fall in his kitchen due to complications from his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis. The 52-year-old actor, who announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, detailed the incident that prevented him from attending television’s biggest night.
“ALS is a nasty disease,” Dane told the publication. “So I was in the hospital during the Emmys getting stitches put in my head.” The injury occurred just days before the September ceremony, leaving the actor no choice but to cancel his highly anticipated appearance.
The absence was particularly disappointing for Dane, who had been looking forward to reuniting with Williams and other colleagues from the long-running medical drama. “I missed an opportunity I was really looking forward to. It would have been great to see Jesse and get reunited with some of my peers, and to be able to present in front of my colleagues I thought would have been a special moment,” Dane shared. “So I was really upset about it, but you know, there was nothing I could do about it.”
Williams ultimately presented the Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series award alone during the ceremony. Prior to the event, Williams had expressed enthusiasm about the planned Grey’s Anatomy reunion, telling Entertainment Tonight about his appreciation for working with Dane.
The fall represents one of the challenges Dane faces as he battles ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Since revealing his diagnosis earlier this year, the Euphoria star has been open about his condition while continuing to work and advocate for ALS research.
Despite the setback, Dane remains focused on his health and family. The actor, known for his role as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy, has received widespread support from fans and colleagues since going public with his diagnosis. Meanwhile, he continues partnering with organizations like I AM ALS to raise awareness and push for accelerated research funding.
The incident at the Emmys serves as a stark reminder of the daily challenges faced by those living with ALS, even as Dane maintains his determination to continue working and advocating for a cure.
EDITOR’S PICKS
Chord Overstreet’s $100K secret: The Playgirl photoshoot that never saw daylight
The husband of the viral Coldplay kiss cam couple was also on a date at the same concert
