American actor Eric Dane was scheduled to present an award at the 2025 Emmys, but his absence was felt as his former Grey’s Anatomy co-star Jesse Williams ended up presenting the award alone. In a recent interview, Dane opened up about why he wasn’t at the ceremony. Let’s take a look at what he had to say.

Eric Dane reveals he didn’t attend 2025 Emmys due to head injury

Eric Dane told The Washington Post that he couldn’t make it to the Emmys because of a head injury. Shortly before the telecast, he reportedly lost his balance and fell in his kitchen.

“ALS is a nasty disease. So I was in the hospital during the Emmys getting stitches put in my head,” he explained. Further talking about why he had been really looking forward to the 2025 Emmys, he said, “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, and to be able to present in front of my colleagues, I thought, would have been a special moment. So I was really upset about it, but you know, there was nothing I could do about it.”

Dane was slated to present the award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series alongside his former co-star Jesse Williams. Their scheduled appearance together was planned to mark the 20th anniversary of Grey’s Anatomy.

Earlier this year, in April, Dane shared with People that he had been diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). He claimed that he’s grateful to have his loving family by his side as they navigate this next chapter. “I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week,” he added. Later in June, during a Good Morning America interview, he revealed that he had lost function in his right arm. He also mentioned that he didn’t feel too good about his left side.

Despite his health battles, Eric Dane will appear in Euphoria Season 3, reprising his role of Cal Jacobs.