Eric Dane seen in wheelchair at Toronto airport amid ALS progression
Eric Dane, the 52-year-old actor best known for his role on Grey's Anatomy, was seen using a wheelchair at Toronto Pearson Airport on Thursday as he continues to contend with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease he disclosed publicly in April. Observers said Dane was helped out of a van and guided through the terminal by an aide; he appeared frail and kept his head down.
Dane first noticed weakness in his right hand earlier this year and, after months of testing and specialist visits, received an ALS diagnosis in April. He has since described losing use of his right arm and warned that his left arm is deteriorating, and he has expressed concern about his legs. ALS gradually destroys motor neurons that control muscle movement and currently has no cure; progression and life expectancy vary among patients.
The airport sighting follows several recent public moments that illustrated the disease's impact. In one encounter at a Washington, D.C. airport, Dane responded softly to a well-wisher with the words, "Keep the faith, man." He also missed a planned reunion appearance with former cast members at the Emmy Awards after a fall at home that required...