Living With ALS: A Timeline of Famous Voices

ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a relentless nerve condition that steals muscle control over time. The story of public figures who have faced it begins with the legendary baseball player Lou Gehrig in 1939 and stretches to recent actors, musicians, and athletes who have spoken out. \ Each name brings a new angle: Stephen Hawking kept teaching physics for decades after his diagnosis, while Brooke Eby used social media to turn her struggle into a community rally. \ In 2025, Eric Dane revealed he had ALS, thanking his family and saying he would keep working on “Euphoria. ” He passed away less than a year later, a reminder that the disease can progress rapidly. \Other celebrities—Jenny Slatten of “90 Day Fiancé, ” Russell Andrews from “Better Call Saul, ” and Tanea Brooks of AEW—have publicly shared their journeys, seeking help, support, and awareness. \ Many have turned to activism: John Driskell Hopkins founded Hop on a Cure, while Steve Gleason earned the Congressional Gold Medal for his advocacy. \ Despite medical advances that slow symptoms, no cure exists; each story underscores the need for research and compassionate care. \ The collective voices of these figures help keep ALS on public radar, encouraging funding, research, and a deeper understanding of this disease. \