In the final year of his life, the ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Euphoria’ actor was a leading advocate for ALS research.
Key Points
- Eric Dane, known for Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, died at 53 from ALS.
- He became a passionate advocate for ALS awareness and research after his diagnosis.
- His family requests privacy as they mourn his passing and remember his legacy.
Eric Dane has died at the age of 53.
The Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria actor died on Thursday, Feb. 19, according a statement from his representative shared with Parade.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” the statement read. “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”
“Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight,” the statement continued. “He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
Dane first announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025.
“I have been diagnosed with ALS,” he shared with People at the time. “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”
“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week,” he added. “I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
Dane shared more details about his diagnosis during an interview with Good Morning America in June. There, he told Diane Sawyer that he first became concerned after experiencing weakness in his right hand.
“I didn’t really think anything of it at the time,” he said. “I thought maybe I had been texting too much and my hand was fatigued.”
After the weakness worsened, Dane visited hand specialists who sent him to a neurologist. Nine months later, he received the crushing diagnosis of ALS.
“I will never forget those three letters,” Dane continued. “It’s on me the second I wake up. It’s not a dream.”
In September, the actor said he planned to “fight until the last breath” for a cure for the disease.
“I wanna ring every bell,” he said. “I have two daughters at home. I wanna see them graduate college, get married, maybe have grandkids. I wanna be there for all that.”
Dane shares daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, with Rebecca Gayheart.
On Jan. 24, Dane received the Advocate of the Year Award at the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care gala — but missed the ceremony due to the “physical realities of ALS.”
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells controlling voluntary muscle movement. The disease leads to muscle weakness, eventually causing paralysis, while the mind remains aware. There is no cure.
