Actor Eric Dane is using his recent diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to spread awareness while openly sharing his personal medical journey with the public.

During a recent virtual panel for Giving Tuesday, Dane discussed his on-screen role since his April diagnosis, playing Matthew, a firefighter and 9/11 hero diagnosed with ALS in an episode of “Brilliant Minds,” PEOPLE reported.

The former “Grey’s Anatomy” star called the experience “cathartic,” though he admitted the most challenging part was separating himself from a character whose struggles felt “so real to him.”

Dane addressed the emotional toll of the disease during the event.

“I have no reason to be in a good spirit at any time, on any given day, I don’t think anybody would blame me if I went upstairs i

See Full Page