Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who has lived with multiple sclerosis for more than two decades, is praising fellow actor Eric Dane for continuing to work — and for telling a deeply personal story — after revealing his real-life diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
In November, Dane appeared in a cameo on the NBC drama Brilliant Minds, playing firefighter Matthew Ramati as he struggled to tell his family he had ALS. The role aired just months after Dane publicly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with the disease earlier in 2025 and began speaking openly about the physical challenges he was facing.
Now Sigler, who was diagnosed with MS in 2002, is stepping into a similarly resonant role of her own. She is set to appear on Dane’s former series, Grey’s Anatomy, portraying Dr. Laura Kaplan, a urologist living with MS. Speaking ahead of the episode’s Thursday broadcast, Sigler reflected on what it meant to watch Dane portray a condition that mirrors his real life.
“I think to be able to be in this moment of his life and still get to act, still get to tell his story, and still do what he loves, despite what’s happening to his body — I was thrilled for him and others that are like him to have that representation,” Sigler said. “That’s a gift.”
She added that seeing Dane continue to work publicly through illness carries weight far beyond entertainment. “That’s a gift to give to him for so many reasons and to other people as well,” she said.
Dane’s appearance on Brilliant Minds highlighted the realities of ALS, showing his character losing the use of his hands and struggling with breathing exercises. The episode closed on an emotional note, as Matthew was surprised by a firetruck filled with fellow firefighters and people whose lives he had saved.
Shortly after announcing his diagnosis, Dane told Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America that he hoped to keep working as long as possible.
“At the end of the day, all I want to do is spend time with my family and work a little bit if I can,” Dane said. “I don’t think this is the end of my story. I just don’t feel like this is the end of me.”
Sigler’s upcoming Grey’s Anatomy role echoes that same idea of resilience. As Dr. Kaplan navigates her MS diagnosis, she also helps Dr. Richard Webber, played by James Pickens Jr., after his character is diagnosed with prostate cancer.
For Sigler, the role carries personal significance. She said there was a time she feared that publicly revealing her MS diagnosis would derail her career. Playing Dr. Kaplan allowed her to confront those fears on screen.
“She’s honoring and talking about the devastation that came with receiving such a diagnosis, and feeling like her life and career could be over because of it,” Sigler said. “Then allowing herself to sit in those emotions before saying, ‘OK, this is the body that I’m in. How do I keep moving forward and still do what I love?’”
Sigler said that message — of grief, acceptance, and persistence — is central not only to Dr. Kaplan, but to her own life as well.
