APPLETON, Wis. — Eric Dane, the charismatic actor best known for his roles on Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at the age of 53 after a prolonged battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. His family confirmed the news in a statement to Us Weekly on Thursday, February 19, revealing that Dane passed away that afternoon surrounded by loved ones.
"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," the family's 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." The statement highlighted Dane's advocacy efforts, noting, "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."
The family also expressed gratitude for the support Dane received and requested privacy during their grieving period. "Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received," the statement concluded. "The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time."
Dane first publicly disclosed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, sharing the news in a statement to People magazine. "I have been diagnosed with ALS," he said at the time. "I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter." ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control. The condition worsens over time and currently has no cure, according to medical descriptions provided in various reports.
By December 2025, Dane had become deeply involved in raising awareness for the disease. During a virtual panel discussion hosted by the advocacy organization I AM ALS—for which he served as an ambassador—Dane emphasized the importance of education and action. "Obviously, I have a family at home and they’re the first priority, but this is such a big deal to me to make sure that people are aware of what ALS is and what it’s about and, more importantly, what we can do to combat it and improve the landscape," he shared.
In a June 2025 interview on Good Morning America with Diane Sawyer, Dane opened up about his estranged wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie, now 15, and Georgia, 14. Despite their separation, Gayheart remained a pillar of support. "I talk to her every day," Dane said. "We have managed to become better friends and better parents and she is my—probably my biggest champion. My most stalwart supporter. And I lean on her."
Dane expressed frustration with the uncontrollable aspects of his illness but focused on cherishing time with his family. "There’s so much about it that’s out of my control," he explained. "I’m angry because, you know, my father was taken from me when I was young and now there’s a very good chance I’m going to be taken from my girls while they’re very young. At the end of the day, all I want to do is spend time with my family and work a little bit if I can. … They’re loved. They know it."
News of Dane's death prompted an immediate wave of tributes from fellow celebrities, many of whom had shared the screen with him over his two-decade career. Alyssa Milano, who costarred with Dane on the early-2000s series Charmed, posted a poignant message on Instagram on February 19. "I can’t stop seeing that spark in Eric’s eye right before he’d say something that would either make you spit out your drink or rethink your entire perspective," she wrote. "He had a razor-sharp sense of humor. He loved the absurdity of things. He loved catching people off guard."
And when it came to his daughters and Rebecca, everything in him softened. He carried them with him even in rooms where they weren’t present. You could see it in the way his voice changed when he said their names. A breathtakingly beautiful family.
She added, “The spark. The mischief. The tenderness he kept guarded but never totally hidden.”
Ashton Kutcher, a friend and fantasy football league mate, honored Dane on X, formerly Twitter, the same day. "The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane," Kutcher, 48, wrote. "We know you’ll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS."
Maria Shriver, whose publishing imprint The Open Field was collaborating with Dane on his upcoming memoir Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, shared her sorrow on X. "I’m heartbroken by this devastating news about Eric Dane. What a tragedy," she wrote. "He was so heroic the way he handled his diagnosis. He used his voice to let the world know what it was like living with ALS." Shriver noted that Dane wanted the book to serve as a legacy for his family. "He told me he wanted his family to know how much he loved them, and he wanted to leave them a story they could be proud of," she added. "My love goes out to his family, and to all those battling this cruel disease, as well as all those caring for someone battling it. Godspeed, Eric. It was an honor to know you, and we will honor your story. ♥️"
Nina Dobrev, who worked with Dane on the 2022 film Redeeming Love, posted on her Instagram Stories. "Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Eric," she wrote. "He was warm, generous, prepared, and so passionate about what he did. He led with kindness and made everyone on our set feel seen. ALS is a cruel and unforgiving disease." Dobrev called for continued efforts against the illness: "May his memory inspire more research, awareness, and progress toward a cure. He will be deeply missed. Sending love and heartfelt condolences to his family."
Sam Levinson, the creator of Euphoria, where Dane played the role of Cal Jacobs, issued a statement to Variety. "I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric," Levinson said. "Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing."
From his Grey's Anatomy days, costar Kevin McKidd shared a photo of Dane as his character McSteamy on social media, simply writing, "Rest in peace buddy." Selma Blair, who appeared with him on the short-lived WB series Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane, posted a throwback clip on Instagram with the message, "I love you. And yours."
Paul Walter Hauser, Dane's costar in the 2018 film Americana, reflected on their shared experiences in an Instagram post. "We tried to book gigs, we tried to laugh at the pain and we tried to stay sober," Hauser captioned a photo of the two. "I’m glad we got to play together in Americana. I love you, man. I wish we had more time. Enjoy the arms of Father God. I’ll see you again. 🫡 RIP #EricDane."
John Stamos recalled their collaboration in the 2006 comedy Wedding Wars, posting on Instagram, "RIP, Buddy. Me and @realericdane played brothers years ago in a beautiful movie called, Wedding Wars. Good guy. Too soon. Xo J." Frank Grillo, who shared scenes with Dane in the 2023 thriller Little Dixie, expressed his grief on Instagram: "We lost a good man @realericdane who I had the pleasure of sharing the screen with. We became pals and laughed often. My prayers go out to his beautiful family. See you on the other side brother."
Alexander Ludwig, Dane's colleague in the 2024 action film Bad Boys: Ride or Die, wrote, "Ugh this hurts so much. Will miss you Eric and loved our time together. You were a joy to work with." Martin Lawrence, another Bad Boys alum, shared condolences on social media: "My condolences go out to the family of @realericdane. I can tell you firsthand—solid brotha, true professional, and brought that presence every single time. Much love! #ericdane #badboysfamilyforlife."
Bravo host Andy Cohen paid tribute on Threads, calling Dane "a great actor and a force of a human being." "So sad to hear about Eric Dane’s passing," Cohen wrote. "ALS is absolutely heartbreaking. A devastating end to a strong man."
Dane's death adds to a somber list of celebrity losses in 2026, underscoring the relentless impact of ALS on public figures who have used their platforms to advocate for research. Organizations like I AM ALS have seen increased donations and awareness in recent years, partly due to voices like Dane's. As his family mourns privately, the entertainment community and fans continue to celebrate his contributions to television and film, from his breakout role as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy to his nuanced performances in later projects. Memorial plans have not been announced, but tributes suggest a lasting legacy focused on family, humor, and the fight against ALS.