Eric Dane was forced to miss an appearance at the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care Gala due to the ‘physical realities’ of his recent ALS diagnosis
Eric Dane was forced to miss an appearance at the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care Gala on Saturday, January 24, due to ongoing challenges related to his ALS diagnosis.
“The ALS Network has been informed that Eric Dane had hoped to join us this evening to accept his Advocate of the Year Award, but due to the physical realities of ALS, he is not well enough to attend,” a spokesperson for the ALS Network told The Hollywood Reporter on Saturday.
The group’s statement continued, “We remain deeply grateful for his courage, advocacy, and continued commitment to the ALS community, and we honor him fully this evening with our profound respect and support. Aaron Lazar, Broadway star and Grammy Award nominee, will accept the award on his behalf.”
The charitable organization announced in September 2025 that Dane, 53, would receive the Advocate of the Year Award at its annual Pasadena, California, ceremony. The ALS Network credited Dane with bringing “international attention to ALS” through his “leadership and compassion” ever since he was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease.
“This award is more than an honor,” Dane said at the time. “[The award is] a reflection of the incredible strength and courage I see in the ALS community every day.
