Russell Andrews, the 64-year-old actor best known for his roles in Better Call Saul and Straight Outta Compton, has publicly revealed his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. He shared the news during an appearance on CNN's The Story Is with Elex Michaelson alongside his fiancée, actress Erica Tazel.
Diagnosis and Early Symptoms
Andrews stated he was diagnosed in the late fall of the previous year. He first noticed symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, initially fearing he might have suffered a stroke. He recalled experiencing random muscle twitches and pain, which he attributed to pinched nerves in his neck. The symptoms worsened over time, leading to difficulties with daily tasks. "I was not able to do things that I normally do," Andrews said. "I was dropping cups and glasses at night." He described strange sensations moving through his arm, prompting him to seek medical attention.
Tazel noticed subtle changes in her fiancé, such as taking longer to clean the pool and alterations in his gait. "There was just the subtle little things like that," she said. "I was like, 'Something is definitely wrong.'"
Impact of Health Insurance Loss
Andrews revealed that he temporarily lost his health insurance during the 2023 actors' strike. Once his coverage was reinstated, he quickly booked a medical appointment. "Within 15 minutes, the primary care physician said she would like me to see a neurologist," he recalled. "One thing led to another."
Living with ALS
According to the Mayo Clinic, ALS attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to gradual muscle weakness, slurred speech, and eventual paralysis. There is currently no cure. The Muscular Dystrophy Association reports that most patients live between three and five years after diagnosis, though some survive much longer. Despite the grim prognosis, Andrews and Tazel have found support through the nonprofit ALS Network. "It's been humbling," Andrews said, noting that the organization welcomed them like family and helped them navigate treatment, care, and support.
Other Celebrities with ALS
Andrews joins a growing list of public figures who have spoken openly about living with ALS. Among them was late actor Eric Dane, known for Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, who died on Feb. 19 at age 53, less than a year after publicly revealing his diagnosis. Before his death, Dane recorded an emotional final video message for his daughters as part of the Netflix series Famous Last Words, focusing on love, friendship, and facing terminal illness with dignity.
Other well-known figures with ALS include Broadway actor Aaron Lazar, who announced his diagnosis in January 2024 before releasing an album titled Impossible Dream. Former NFL player and firefighter Eric Stevens was diagnosed at age 29, only a month after marrying his longtime partner. John Driskell Hopkins of the Zac Brown Band revealed his diagnosis in 2022 through a video message to fans. Singer Roberta Flack announced in 2022 that ALS had made it "impossible" for her to continue singing; she died in February 2025 at age 88.
