Jamie-Lynn Sigler welcomes Eric Dane’s ALS storyline in NBC series 'Brilliant Minds'

Jamie-Lynn Sigler has spoken about Eric Dane’s appearance in NBC’s Brilliant Minds, saying she was “thrilled” to see the actor continue working while portraying a character living with ALS, following Dane’s own diagnosis revealed in April.

In a November episode of Brilliant Minds, Dane appeared as a firefighter confronting an ALS diagnosis. Speaking to The Independent, Sigler said the role carried significance for performers and audiences alike.

“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,” she said. “That’s a gift.”

Sigler, who has lived with Multiple Sclerosis for more than two decades, added that the opportunity extended beyond Dane himself. “That’s a gift to give to him for so many reasons and to other people as well,” she said, referring to the visibility such roles can provide.

Brilliant Minds showrunner Michael Grassi previously addressed Dane’s involvement, explaining that discussions about the role centred on depicting how families navigate life-changing diagnoses.

“I remember our conversations very quickly started circling this very simple idea of what is it like for a family to navigate a difficult diagnosis,” Grassi said. “There’s no rule book. There’s no guide. There’s no right way. There’s no wrong way, and it’s really hard.”

Sigler is also set to appear in an upcoming episode of Grey’s Anatomy, marking a return to the network where Dane previously starred.

In the Season 22 episode titled Heavy on Me, Sigler will play Dr. Laura Kaplan, a urologist living with MS. The role was written specifically for Sigler and mirrors aspects of her own health journey.