ERIC Dane has died aged 53 after a brave battle with ALS.
The Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria actor passed away with his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and daughters Billie and Georgia by his side, his rep said in a statement on Thursday, February 19.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” the statement began.
“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.
“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.”
SCARY DIAGNOSIS
Eric had been battling ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease, since early 2024, when he first began experiencing symptoms.
The star announced his diagnosis in April 2025, which quickly progressed to near full paralysis in the months before his death.
Eric had to bow out of multiple public appearances due to his worsening condition.
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In January 2026, he withdrew from the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Cares gala just hours before the event began.
The TV star also missed his scheduled appearance at the Primetime Emmy Awards in September 2025 because of complications from the disease.
In December 2025, Eric shared an update on his health during a virtual panel for IAMALS.org.
At this point, the father of two had lost mobility in his arms, had noticeable changes in his speech, and was confined to a wheelchair.
“I have no reason to be in a good spirit at any time, on any given day,” an emotional Eric shared.
“I don’t think anybody would blame me if I went upstairs in my bedroom, crawled under the sheets, and spent the next two weeks crying.”
Despite his drastic health decline, Eric vowed to continue acting and that he wouldn’t give up fighting.
“I’m not about to concede my purpose for some disease. I just am not capable of doing that.
“I’m fairly limited in what I can do physically as an actor, but I still have my brain, and I still have my speech, so I’m willing to do just about anything.”
BRAVE FIGHT
In November 2025, Eric starred in an episode of the NBC medical drama Brilliant Minds, playing a firefighter living with ALS.
“The hardest thing for me to do was separate myself from the character because it was something that was so fresh and it was something that was so real to me,” Eric told the Daily Mail about the role.
“I’ve never played a character who’s going through something, and something that I’m dealing with in real time, in real life as well,” he continued.
“So, it was hard, and there were moments where it was very difficult for me to get the lines out.
“But overall, I was really grateful for the experience. I found it to be a bit cathartic.”
Eric is also reprising his role as Cal Jacobs in the third season of Euphoria, which will premiere on HBO in April, after a four-year hiatus.
In late January, Eric received praise from his Grey’s Anatomy co-star, Patrick Dempsey, for his bravery since his brutal diagnosis.
“I do try to stay in touch and see how he’s doing. I think he’s been incredibly courageous in the face of this horrible disease,” Patrick told Parade in an interview.
He also said that he tried to get Eric on his new crime thriller series, Memory of a Killer, but his condition made it “virtually impossible.”
Eric is survived by his two children, Billie Beatrice, 16, and Georgia Geraldine 14, whom he shares with Rebecca.
The couple separated in 2018, but called off their long divorce once Eric received his diagnosis.