The cast and crew of “Brilliant Minds” gave Eric Dane a standing ovation after the actor filmed an emotional scene during his special guest appearance in the series, marking his return to television just a few months after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
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In the latest episode of the medical drama, the 53-year-old actor plays a firefighter and 9/11 hero who faces the same condition as Dane.
In one of the scenes, Dane’s character records a message about how he had to learn to ask for help, which made everyone on set rise to their feet in applause, acknowledging the actor’s performance.
Speaking to USA Today, the show’s creator, Michael Grassi, revealed that the moment was truly moving: “I’ve never seen anything like it in my entire career, but he received a 10-minute standing ovation after filming that scene,” he said.
“Because it was so beautiful, so honest, and so real. While his character finds courage, Eric also shows great bravery by telling his story. Opening up and sharing this part of himself is vulnerable, but also very important, and I believe it raises awareness and shows people they’re not alone.”
Filmed in October, Dane’s episode is his first role since publicly announcing his ALS diagnosis in April. Since then, the actor has become an active supporter of the Push for Progress campaign, which aims to raise 1 billion dollars over three years for research into the condition.
Images: HBO and NBC reproduction. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
