Eric Dane Guest Stars on "Brilliant Minds" Episode about ALS: “We Really Wanted to Honor Him”

“Grey’s Anatomy” heartthrob Eric Dane appeared on another medical drama, this time as a patient.

The 53-year-old actor, who played Dr. Mark Sloan aka “McSteamy” on the Shonda Rhimes series, guest starred on a season 2 episode of NBC’s “Brilliant Minds” as a firefighter grappling with his ALS diagnosis.

Earlier this year, Dane announced that he had been diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease, which gradually paralyzes the body by destroying the nerve cells that control muscle movement.

On the November 24 episode of “Brilliant Minds,” Dane plays Matthew, a proud first responder who is used to being the hero, not the person in need of help.

Matthew has kept his ALS diagnosis from his family, fearing that he might become a burden to them.

In the episode, which was filmed in October, Dane acts alongside Zachary Quinto, whose character, Dr. Oliver Wolf, advises Matthew on treatment options.

Matthew struggles with the idea of being hooked up to a “machine at night,” saying, “Nobody survives this. We both know that, and I know how to take care of my family.”

“Brilliant Minds,” creator Michael Grassi told USA Today that Dane was “a joy” to work with, and that “there was so much laughter and banter between Eric and our cast” in between takes.

After filming one particularly emotional scene, Grassi said the cast and crew rose to their feet and applauded Dane.

“I have never seen this happen in my entire career, but he essentially got a 10-minute standing ovation after shooting that scene, because it was so beautiful and so honest and so real,” Grassi said. “Also, while his character’s finding bravery, there’s a lot of bravery in Eric to tell the story as well. To come out and share this part of yourself is vulnerable but also really important, and I think raises awareness and shows people that they’re not alone.”

Dane, who is also known for his role as Cal Jacobs in “Euphoria,” traveled to Washington, D.C., in September to meet with Rep. Eric Swalwell and advocate on behalf of legislation supported by the I Am ALS organization.

“I want to ring every bell,” Dane told the California congressman. “I have two daughters at home. I want to see them graduate college, get married, maybe even have grandkids. I want to be there for all that, so I’m going to fight until the last breath.”