Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who has been living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for the past two decades, has praised Eric Dane for his poignant portrayal of a firefighter with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) on screen. This comes on the heels of Dane’s personal revelation in April 2025 that he has been diagnosed with the disease, after which he spoke candidly about his experiences with ALS.
In a recent episode of “Brilliant Minds,” Dane’s character, Matthew Ramati, faced the challenge of disclosing his ALS diagnosis to family members, showcasing the emotional turmoil that accompanies chronic illness. Sigler is set to make an appearance on the iconic medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” where she will portray Dr. Laura Kaplan, a urologist living with MS.
In an interview ahead of her episode’s premiere, Sigler expressed her admiration for Dane’s performances, emphasizing the importance of representation for those dealing with chronic conditions. “To be able to be in this moment of his life and still get to act, still get to tell his story, and still do what he loves, despite what’s happening to his body — I was thrilled for him and others that are like him to have that representation,” she said.
Dane’s episode in “Brilliant Minds” vividly depicted the physical struggles of ALS, with his character experiencing loss of motor function and respiratory challenges. A particularly moving scene featured a surprise by a firetruck, symbolizing the camaraderie of those whose lives he impacted during his career.
Dane has been open about his desire to continue acting despite his diagnosis. “At the end of the day, all I want to do is spend time with my family and work a little bit if I can. I don’t think this is the end of my story,” he shared on “Good Morning America.”
Similarly, Sigler’s portrayal of Dr. Kaplan resonates deeply with her own journey, as the character confronts her MS diagnosis while also supporting Dr. Richard Webber, played by James Pickens Jr., who is coping with prostate cancer. Sigler reflects on the honor of taking on this role, especially as someone who once feared that revealing her condition could end her career. She noted, “I think the message of Dr. Kaplan — and mine — is about facing the reality of your situation and finding a way to keep moving forward.”
“Grey’s Anatomy” continues to air Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Hulu. Through their powerful narratives, both Sigler and Dane are not only providing spectators with compelling stories but also fostering awareness and understanding of living with chronic illnesses.