If you’ve been catching NBC’s Brilliant Minds 2025 television schedule run, then you already know it isn’t exactly short on emotional moments. But the show reached new heights in its recent Thanksgiving episode, thanks to Eric Dane’s powerful guest appearance. The Grey’s Anatomy alum, who publicly shared his own ALS diagnosis earlier this year, stepped into the role of Matthew Ramati, a firefighter wrestling with how to share his illness with his family. The show’s showrunner recalls the “so beautiful” moment of seeing the actor receive a standing ovation while filming.
Showrunner Michael Grassi opened up to NBC Insider about what happened on set after the Euphoria actor filmed his character’s pivotal scene, which involved recording a heartfelt message for a voice-banking app as his family gathered for Thanksgiving. In a rare move for the series, the final voiceover didn’t come from the main character, Dr. Oliver Wolf (Zachary Quinto), but from Dane’s Matthew, reflecting on the nature of rescue, bravery, and learning to accept help. Grassi recalled:
