Erik Dane on ALS, Disability Visibility, and Refusing to Give Up

Erik Dane—forever remembered by many as “McSteamy” from Grey’s Anatomy—has lived much of his career in the spotlight. From blockbuster films to hit television shows, and more recently capturing a new generation on Euphoria, his career has continued to evolve. But in April 2025, at the height of renewed success, Dane was diagnosed with ALS—a devastating disease with no cure.

Now using a wheelchair, Erik Dane is still acting, still creating, and still showing up. He recently appeared on Brilliant Minds and participated in a powerful media panel discussing the role, disability visibility, and what it means to continue working in an industry that rarely makes space for visible illness. We bring you that panel—and the conversation it sparked.

As we look ahead to the new year, Erik Dane’s story is a profound reminder of two essential truths: nothing matters more than your health, and even when your body isn’t cooperating, your dreams don’t have to end.

📌 The Karel Cast is supported by viewer donations at patreon.com/reallykarel

👍 Please watch, like, and subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel

🎧 Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartMedia, Spreaker, and more.

📺 Live Monday–Thursday at 10:30am PT, with clips on TikTok and Instagram.

Karel is a history-making broadcaster and entertainer, reporting from Las Vegas with his service dog Ember.

#ErikDane, #ALS, #DisabilityVisibility, #GreysAnatomy, #McSteamy, #Euphoria, #HollywoodNews, #HealthAwareness, #ChronicIllness, #DisabilityRights, #Inspiration, #NeverGiveUp, #EntertainmentNews, #KarelCast, #LGBTQVoices, #PodcastClips, #LasVegas, #CurrentEvents, #MentalHealth, #EmberTheServiceDog

https://youtube.com/live/RNxrJZohY8E