In fact, one of the most talked-about friendships in Tinseltown these days is between Dax Shepard and Eric Dane. Their lasting friendship is rooted in their parallel paths of sobriety. It’s a friendship that almost took a stormy turn at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Things got heated, and it very nearly led to a physical fight. Eric Dane, best known for his role on the long-running series Grey’s Anatomy, revealed his ALS diagnosis in April. This announcement followed an arduous nine-month testing period.
Shepard, who has been open about his own struggles with substance abuse and maintaining sobriety, has expressed considerable affection for Dane. On one of our recent calls, he told me how much he loves Eric Dane. He was like, ‘I f–king love him now! I have such a fondness for him. Their story together began with that bad first meeting which created a loathing between them. As relationships grew, it morphed into fellowship and professional collegiality.
The two actors’ characters would meet once more at an AA meeting, where their mutual frustrations came to a head. Shepard recounted the moment of tension: “He goes, ‘If you hit that timer again, I’m gonna f–king throw you in that candle.’ That’s it, motherf–ker. Let’s go. Stand up, let’s go outside.” Much like their first debate, this confrontation laid bare the intense emotion both candidates felt in that moment.
Even with this almost fight, the two got to share an unexpectedly intimate moment. Dane gave a nod to their previous missteps during an introspective moment in the working group’s meeting. He shared, “You acknowledged something I said in your chair and you actually said to the group, ‘You know, I hated you for so long, but I’ve come to really love you.’” Shepard quipped that he could have returned those sentiments in the spur of the moment.
Eric Dane’s recent public appearances, including the high-profile ‘Countdown’ premiere and after-party on June 18, 2025, demonstrate his resilience as he navigates his ALS diagnosis. His co-star Dax Shepard continues to be a rock for him. Shepard’s commitment to sobriety has been a significant aspect of his life. He has been sober for many years but has candidly discussed his struggles with painkillers after 16 years of sobriety.
Shepard is married to actress Kristen Bell, with whom he has two daughters. His podcast, Armchair Expert, is known for getting guests like Brad Pitt to open up in deeply personal and revealing interviews. As these discussions unfold, Shepard frequently reflects on how friendship and community are pivotal to shepherding us through the dark night of soul’s assault.
The relationship between Shepard and Dane shows how shared experiences can be a powerful force for healing and friendship. Their transition from strife to solidarity is an uplifting testament to the power of vulnerability.
