Broadway’s Aaron Lazar on Living With ALS, Filming ‘Countdown’ With Eric Dane and Launching New Podcast

A poignant moment of shared understanding occurred on the set of the Amazon MGS series "Countdown," as recounted by Broadway actor Aaron Lazar. While guest-starring, Lazar met the show's lead, Eric Dane, and immediately detected something was wrong during their handshake. "When I met Eric and he shook my hand, I could see and feel something was off," Lazar recalled. Dane privately confided his suspicion that he, too, had ALS, a revelation that preceded his own public diagnosis by several months. Lazar also expressed initial apprehension about his costume fittings, concerned that using a wheelchair would pose a problem. He was reassured to discover the wardrobe team was already highly proficient, having developed their skills to accommodate Dane's requirements.

Following his 2022 diagnosis, Lazar has redirected his focus toward advocacy and creative projects. His debut album, "Impossible Dream," a charity-style recording of the classic "Man of La Mancha" song featuring artists like Sting, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Josh Groban, earned him a 2024 Grammy nomination. Building on this momentum, he is launching a video podcast, "Impossible Dreams," presented by the ALS network and premiering on Tuesday, October 7. The series will feature a notable roster of guests, including entrepreneur Mark Cuban, actors Ben Stiller and Kristin Chenoweth, and singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles. This new venture follows a year-long speaking tour where Lazar emphasized overcoming all of life's obstacles, not just those tied to his condition.

The podcast's central goal is to assemble narratives that highlight human resilience. "It's a gathering of stories that remind us of our own power," Lazar stated, hoping each episode leaves the audience feeling more empowered and optimistic. One aspirational guest is Jim Carrey, whom Lazar admires for his journey of personal metamorphosis. "Jim Carrey personifies the heart of what 'Impossible Dreams' is about," he explained. "His evolution from a comedic superstar to a profound explorer of meaning and consciousness resonates with aspects of my own journey." A conversation with Carrey, Lazar believes, would powerfully demonstrate that joy and profound awakening are not mutually exclusive.

Aaron Lazar, whose Broadway career includes acclaimed roles in productions like "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Les Misérables," maintains a profoundly hopeful outlook despite the lack of a cure for ALS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control. In response, Lazar has immersed himself in studying healing and the nervous system, reading over 100 books on the subject. "I have learned that with courage, hope becomes faith, and faith when practiced becomes belief, and belief when practiced becomes knowing," he shared. As a father to two teenage sons from a previous marriage, his primary motivation is creating a positive impact. He reflects that the initial "seed of hope" within him has been nurtured into a disciplined practice and a way of life, adding, "I guess being an inspiration, having an impact on someone else’s life, is an honor that deeply inspires me."