Why Eric Dane Missed the Emmys Tribute to Grey’s Anatomy, He Reveals

Eric Dane had been slated to join his “Grey’s Anatomy” co-star Jesse Williams to present a tribute during the 2025 Emmy Awards, celebrating the show’s 20th anniversary. But when the night came, Dane was absent—and fans wondered why. Now, in a revealing interview, he shares the emotional and medical reasons behind his decision.

A Fall, a Hospital Stay, and an Unavoidable Absence

In a recent conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Dane explained that just before the Emmys, he “lost his balance and fell hard in his kitchen.” The impact required stitches in his head, and he was hospitalized during the show. He described the situation bluntly: “ALS is a nasty disease … So I was in the hospital during the Emmys getting stitches put in my head.” Because of that, he was physically unable to attend his scheduled appearance.

Dane admitted he was disappointed to miss the moment: “I missed an opportunity I was really looking forward to. It would have been great to see Jesse and get reunited with some of my peers… I was really upset about it, but, you know, there was nothing I could do about it.”

The Shadow of an ALS Diagnosis

This absence came against the backdrop of Dane’s new and public battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative neurological disease affecting motor control. He publicly disclosed his diagnosis in April 2025, and since then has spoken openly about the physical toll it’s taking—especially in his arms.

In a “Good Morning America” interview, Variety shared that Dane reflected on how the disease had already affected him: “My right arm has stopped functioning while my left one has been getting weaker.” This decline likely contributed to the severity of his fall and his inability to brace or protect himself. Despite the severity of the condition, Dane has expressed determination to continue working where possible.

The Cancelled Tribute & Industry Response