For decades, veteran actor Russell Andrews has been a foundational force in Black Hollywood and theater, seamlessly moving from originating iconic roles in August Wilson masterpieces like Jitney to captivating television audiences on hit shows like Insecure and Better Call Saul. But recently, the 64-year-old stepped into his most vulnerable role yet, publicly revealing his ongoing battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Appearing on CNN’s The Story Is, Andrews opened up about the grueling journey leading to his diagnosis. “I am a person living with ALS,” he stated. “Receiving this diagnosis changed my life. What I didn’t expect was the depth of connection and support that comes with it. There’s a community here that shows up in ways that matter.” Andrews’ initial symptoms – mysterious muscle twitches and dropping glasses – surfaced during the COVID-19 pandemic, but a loss of health insurance during the subsequent Hollywood strikes delayed critical neurological evaluations until late 2025.

What’s happening in your body

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, widely known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a serious neurological condition that targets the body’s nervous system. According to leading health organizations like the CDC and the Mayo Clinic, the disease specifically attacks vital nerve cells located in the brain and spinal cord. These specialized cells, called motor neurons, normally act as the body’s communication highway, sending essential signals from the brain to our voluntary muscles so we can move around effortlessly.

When ALS takes hold, this communication system begins to break down. The motor neurons gradually deteriorate and eventually stop functioning altogether. Without these crucial messages from the brain, the muscles are left without instructions on how to move. Because the body isn’t using them, these muscles steadily weaken and begin to shrink over time, a biological process known as atrophy.

As the disease advances, this lack of muscle control increasingly impacts daily life. Over time, individuals lose their ability to walk, speak and even perform basic actions like chewing or swallowing food. In its final stages, ALS reaches the essential muscles responsible for breathing. Because it fundamentally disrupts these life-sustaining functions, the condition is ultimately fatal, which is why ongoing research and compassionate patient care remain so vital.

Common causes of ALS

Medical scientists are working overtime to crack the code on ALS, but the exact cause of the disease remains largely a mystery. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, researchers believe it stems from a complex mix of genetics and environmental factors. Current studies are actively investigating potential triggers like exposure to toxic chemicals, dietary habits, and past severe physical trauma. Interestingly, data shows that military veterans face a slightly higher risk of developing the condition, which has sparked further intense research into external triggers.

Demographics also provide important clues for researchers. The ALS Association notes that most people are diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 60. While men are initially slightly more likely to develop ALS than women, this gender gap completely disappears as people get older. By studying these patterns and mapping human genes, scientists hope to pinpoint the exact triggers and eventually discover a cure.

Sporadic vs. familial ALS

To help manage and treat the disease, doctors divide ALS into two primary categories. The most common form is sporadic ALS, which accounts for roughly 90% of all cases. As the name suggests, it occurs completely at random without any clear pattern or prior family history, meaning it can strike anyone.

The remaining 10% of cases fall under familial ALS, which is passed down genetically from parents to their children. If a parent carries the gene, their children have a 50% chance of inheriting it. Thanks to modern research, scientists have identified several gene mutations linked to this hereditary form, most notably the C9orf72 gene. Uncovering these genetic clues is incredibly vital, as each discovery brings researchers one step closer to future medical breakthroughs.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosing ALS can be incredibly challenging for medical professionals because there isn’t a single blood test that can definitively confirm the condition. According to the Hospital for Special Surgery, doctors must act like medical detectives, carefully reviewing a patient’s complete medical history and physical symptoms to rule out other diseases systematically. A neurologist typically begins the process with a detailed physical examination to check for early telltale signs like muscle weakness, shrinking and involuntary twitches – symptoms that individuals like Russell Andrews reported noticing during the early stages of the illness.

Following the initial exam, health experts use specialized technology to evaluate nerve and muscle function. A key test used to confirm ALS is an electromyogram (EMG), which measures electrical activity in muscles. As the National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains, this procedure involves placing a tiny needle into specific muscles to record their internal electrical signals. Doctors also utilize MRI scans of the brain and spine to rule out alternative issues such as spinal tumors or pinched nerves, which is exactly what Andrews initially suspected was causing his painful symptoms.

Caregivers play an essential role in treating ALS

While there is currently no known cure for ALS, a strong support system and targeted treatments can significantly help manage symptoms and maximize comfort. Patients frequently collaborate with dedicated physical and speech therapists to maintain their independence, while devoted caregivers, like Andrews’ fiancée, Erica Tazel, provide essential day-to-day support.

On the medical side, doctors can prescribe two FDA-approved drugs to alter the disease’s course: riluzole, which helps slow down its progression, and edaravone, which works to reduce physical decline. While these medications cannot reverse existing nerve damage, they can offer patients valuable extra months of function, and additional targeted medications can be prescribed to relieve uncomfortable side effects such as muscle cramps.

Can ALS be stopped if caught early?

“Unfortunately, ALS cannot be completely stopped, even if caught very early,” explains Dr. Justus Rabach, MD. “This disease is progressive, meaning it always naturally worsens over time. Nerve destruction cannot yet be reversed. Once the important motor neurons die, they never regenerate. However, catching the disease early remains incredibly important for the patient. Early diagnosis gives patients access to vital treatments much, much sooner. Starting approved medications very early can definitely slow the symptom progression.”

Early care improves your quality of life. Patients can begin physical therapy before their muscles become too weak. They can also make important home modifications to accommodate wheelchairs.

“ALS may be considered a rare disease, but it’s actually more common than people think, affecting one in 300 Americans. It can strike anyone at any time and is always fatal,” Brian Frederick, PhD, senior vice president of communication at the ALS Association, says.

What is the life expectancy of a person with ALS?

The life expectancy for someone with ALS is usually quite short. According to the NIH, most people live three to five years. This specific timeline starts right from when their physical symptoms begin. The disease usually progresses rapidly and shuts down the body. Eventually, patients lose their natural ability to breathe independently. Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death for patients. However, this sad timeline is not the same for everyone.

About 10% of patients live for 10 years or more. Famous scientist Stephen Hawking lived with ALS for over 50 years, as reported by PBS News. Disease progression can vary widely from person to person. Good medical care and breathing machines can also significantly extend lives. Scientists are working tirelessly to find ways to extend lives further.

When to see a doctor

You should absolutely see a doctor if you notice muscle twitches in your arms or legs. These are called fasciculations and happen without your active control. You might also start dropping normal things, just like Russell Andrews. He noticed he was dropping cups and glasses late at night. Feeling clumsy or tripping over carpets easily is another warning sign.

Slurred speech is also very concerning. If you suddenly have trouble swallowing food, seek medical help quickly. Muscle cramps that persist need medical attention. Tazel noticed Andrews took much longer to clean their home pool. His walk changed, and she knew immediately something was definitely wrong. Always listen to your body and act fast when things change.

Bottom line

Russell Andrews bravely revealed his devastating ALS diagnosis to the world. He sat proudly beside his loving fiancée, who is his caregiver. ALS destroys your vital nerve cells. It slowly robs you of your ability to walk, speak and breathe. While there is no cure, medical treatments can manage the symptoms. Early medical diagnosis is incredibly important. It gives sick patients access to helpful physical therapies much sooner. Andrews’ story brings much-needed public awareness to this terrible, fatal disease, and will hopefully fund better medical research tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who did Russell Andrews play in “Grey’s Anatomy”?

He played the grieving husband, Mr. Weston, in the show.

At what age does ALS usually start?

It typically starts between the ages of 40 and 60.

Citations

Richards B. Actor Russell Andrews Reveals ALS Diagnosis as His Fiancée-Turned-Caregiver Says, “I Still Want to Be Your Wife.” People.com. Published 2026. Accessed May 21, 2026. https://people.com/actor-russell-andrews-reveals-als-diagnosis-alongside-fiancee-turned-caregiver-erica-tazel-11977138

CDC. About Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Registry. Published November 14, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/als/abouttheregistrymain/about-amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als.html

Mayo Clinic. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Mayo Clinic. Published April 10, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354022

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). www.ninds.nih.gov. Published July 19, 2024. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als

ALS Association. Who Gets ALS? The ALS Association. Published 2024. https://www.als.org/understanding-als/who-gets-als

Smeyers J, Banchi EG, Latouche M. C9ORF72: What It Is, What It Does, and Why It Matters. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience. 2021;15(661447). doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2021.661447

HSS. ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Hospital for Special Surgery. Published January 3, 2025. https://www.hss.edu/health-library/conditions-and-treatments/list/als-amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis

Menkes DL, Pierce R. Needle EMG muscle identification: A systematic approach to needle EMG examination. Clinical Neurophysiology Practice. 2019;4:199-211. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cnp.2019.08.003

Rokade AV, Yelne P, Giri A. Riluzole and edavarone: The hope against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Cureus. 2022;14(10). doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.30035

PBS News. How did Stephen Hawking live 55 years with ALS? PBS NewsHour. Published January 9, 2012. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/how-has-stephen-hawking-lived-to-70-with-als