Russell Andrews: ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ actor thought he had a stroke before ALS diagnosis

Russell Andrews has revealed he is living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), opening up about the symptoms he initially mistook for something far less serious.

The 64-year-old actor, known for appearances in Grey’s Anatomy, Better Call Saul, Insecure and Straight Outta Compton, shared his diagnosis during an emotional interview on CNN’s The Story Is With Elex Michaelson alongside his fiancée, actor Erica Tazel.

“I am a person living with ALS,” Andrews said, revealing he was diagnosed in late 2025.

Before learning he had the progressive neurodegenerative disease, Andrews said he believed his symptoms could be linked to stress, a stroke or even pinched nerves.

“It was a stressful time,” he recalled, referring to the Covid-19 pandemic, when he first noticed unusual physical changes. “There were moments. There were twitches. There were things that I thought were pinched nerves in my neck.”

Over time, however, the symptoms became harder to ignore.

“I was not able to do things I was normally able to do,” Andrews said, explaining that weakness and physical limitations gradually became more noticeable.

The actor also revealed that the Hollywood strikes created another obstacle in getting answers. According to Andrews, losing health insurance during the industry shutdown delayed medical evaluations, meaning he was unable to seek specialist care as symptoms worsened.

Once his insurance returned, Andrews said a physician quickly referred him to a neurologist, who confirmed the diagnosis.

Tazel, who appeared beside Andrews during the interview, spoke candidly about standing by him following the life-changing news.

“At least now we know what it is, and I still want to be your wife,” she told him.

Andrews has since partnered with the ALS Network during ALS Awareness Month in May to help raise awareness around the disease and support others navigating the diagnosis.

“Receiving this diagnosis changed my life,” Andrews said. “What I didn’t expect was the depth of connection and support that comes with it.”

His announcement comes months after fellow Grey’s Anatomy actor Eric Dane publicly battled ALS. Dane, who played Dr Mark Sloan on the long-running medical drama, died in February at the age of 53 following complications linked to the disease.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurological condition that affects nerve cells controlling movement, gradually impacting mobility, speech and muscle function. While there is currently no cure, treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.