Actor Russell Andrews has stepped into the spotlight with a deeply personal revelation. He announced he’s been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS. And while there’s no cure for the disease, he said he’s ready to fight.
The 64-year-old actor is best known for his roles in “Better Call Saul,” “Insecure” and “Straight Outta Compton.” On Saturday, he appeared on CNN’s “The Story Is with Elex Michaelson” alongside his fiancée, actress Erica Tazel, to share the diagnosis.
“I am a person living with ALS,” Andrews said during the interview, describing the diagnosis as “humbling.”
Andrews said he was diagnosed in late 2025 after years of subtle yet troubling symptoms, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic. He initially thought the muscle twitches, numbness and weakness he experienced were simple signs of a stroke, but he would soon learn the truth.
“I was not able to do things that I normally do,” he said. “I was dropping cups and glasses at night. It felt like things were running up and down my arm at different times, and it was the nerves.”
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Patients gradually experience changes in movement, speech and muscle control over time, according to the ALS Association. Physicist Stephen Hawking and actor Eric Dane– who died from ALS complications in February– are among the most famous people who have been diagnosed with the disease. There is no cure.
Despite Andrews’ devastating news, he painted a portrait of enduring love and resilience with the support of his fiancée, actress Erica Tazel. Tazel, who has become one of Andrews’ primary caregivers, said the diagnosis has not changed her commitment to their marriage.
“I still want to be your wife,” she told him during the televised interview.
The couple’s revelation comes during ALS Awareness Month. It also coincides with Andrews’ partnership with the ALS Network to raise awareness and connect families to support resources, PR Newswire reported.
In a statement released through the organization, Andrews said the diagnosis has changed his life but also introduced him to a powerful support system.
“What I didn’t expect was the depth of connection and support,” he said. “And it’s been humbling, but there’s also something in the fact that I walked into a family of very caring people I did not know a year ago– the cliché family, but they have not let us miss a step in terms of care, the attention, the awareness and the ability to get me here today.”
A veteran actor, Andrews has built a career in television, film and theater, celebrated for his work in August Wilson productions. Andrews has appeared in everything from “Grey’s Anatomy” and “NCIS: New Orleans” to Wilson’s “Jitney,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “King Hedley II.”
Now, Andrews says he hopes sharing his journey publicly will help others facing the same diagnosis feel less alone.
