Eric Dane Earns 10-Minute Standing Ovation on “Brilliant Minds” Set Amid ALS Diagnosis

Eric Dane, best known as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy, received a standing ovation from the cast and crew of Brilliant Minds after filming a guest role while publicly living with ALS.

The 53-year-old actor appeared on the Season 2 episode of NBC’s medical drama as Matthew, a firefighter facing his own ALS diagnosis.

Earlier this year, Dane revealed that he had been diagnosed with ALS, a progressive disease that gradually paralyzes the body by damaging the nerve cells that control muscle movement.

In the episode, which aired on November 24 and was filmed in October, Matthew struggles with accepting help and worries about becoming a burden to his family. The character confides to Dr. Oliver Wolf, played by Zachary Quinto, saying, “Nobody survives this. We both know that, and I know how to take care of my family.”

Michael Grassi, the creator of Brilliant Minds, told USA Today that Dane was a pleasure to work with on set. He shared that between takes, Dane brought laughter and lightness to the crew. After filming a particularly emotional scene, the entire cast and crew rose to give Dane what Grassi described as a ten-minute standing ovation.

“I have never seen this happen in my entire career, but he essentially got a 10-minute standing ovation after shooting that scene, because it was so beautiful and so honest and so real,” Grassi said.

“Also, while his character’s finding bravery, there’s a lot of bravery in Eric to tell the story as well. To come out and share this part of yourself is vulnerable but also really important, and I think raises awareness and shows people that they’re not alone.”

Dane has also been active in advocacy work since his diagnosis. In September, he traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with Rep.

Eric Swalwell and support legislation promoted by the I Am ALS organization. Speaking to the congressman, Dane said, “I have two daughters at home. I want to see them graduate college, get married, maybe even have grandkids. I want to be there for all that, so I’m going to fight until the last breath.”

This guest appearance highlights both Dane’s talent as an actor and his courage in sharing his personal experience with ALS. His openness helps bring attention to the disease and provides hope for others facing similar challenges.

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