In a heartfelt tribute to a beloved actor and devoted father, friends of Eric Dane have launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his two teenage daughters following his death from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, at the age of 53. The initiative, which seeks to raise $250,000, comes just days after Dane's passing on Thursday, February 19, and highlights the rapid progression of the disease that cut short the life of the star known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria. Dane, who shared daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, with his wife Rebecca Gayheart, had been open about his battle with ALS since his diagnosis in April 2025.
The GoFundMe page, verified as authentic by Us Weekly, describes the profound impact of Dane's loss on his family. "It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of Eric Dane after a hard-fought battle with ALS, leaving behind his devoted wife, Rebecca, and his two teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world," the campaign's description states. Organized by close friends, the fundraiser aims to provide financial stability for the girls amid their grief, covering future needs such as education and living expenses during this challenging period.
Dane's family issued a statement on Thursday confirming his death, painting a picture of his final moments surrounded by loved ones. "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 read, according to reports from Us Weekly. The message emphasized Dane's transformation into an advocate for ALS awareness and research, noting his determination to support others facing the same illness. "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," it continued.
The family's announcement also expressed gratitude to fans and requested privacy as they mourn. "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," the statement concluded. This plea underscores the intense public scrutiny that often accompanies celebrity tragedies, especially for a figure like Dane, whose career spanned over two decades in Hollywood.
Born Eric Melvin Tupper on November 9, 1972, in Santa Monica, California, Dane rose to prominence in the early 2000s with his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan, nicknamed "McSteamy," on the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy. His character, a skilled plastic surgeon and charming heartthrob, became a fan favorite from 2006 to 2012, and Dane reprised the role in spin-offs like Private Practice. More recently, he gained acclaim for playing Cal Jacobs, a complex and troubled father, in HBO's Euphoria, showcasing his range in darker, more introspective roles.
Dane's personal life intertwined with his professional one; he met Rebecca Gayheart, a former actress and model, on the set of the 1990s soap opera Charmed, though they didn't begin dating until years later. The couple married in 2004 and weathered public challenges, including Gayheart's 2001 car accident that resulted in involuntary manslaughter charges, which she resolved through community service. Despite such trials, they presented a united front, raising Billie, born in 2009, and Georgia, born in 2010, in Los Angeles.
The GoFundMe description further details Dane's advocacy efforts after his ALS diagnosis. "Following his diagnosis, Eric became a passionate spokesperson for the ALS community, using his voice and platform to advocate for fellow patients and to push for greater awareness," it reads. "Even as his own health declined, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease. As his illness progressed far more quickly than anyone could have imagined, Eric’s friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support his girls and their future needs." This rapid deterioration surprised those close to him, as ALS typically progresses over years, but cases vary widely.
ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, has no cure and leads to loss of muscle control. According to the ALS Association, it impacts about 30,000 people in the U.S. at any given time, with an average survival of two to five years post-diagnosis. Dane's public disclosure in April 2025 brought renewed attention to the condition, aligning him with other celebrities like physicist Stephen Hawking, who lived with ALS for decades, though Dane's experience was markedly shorter.
In the campaign's closing appeal, organizers emphasized the importance of any donation. "Any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Eric’s wonderful daughters," the description states. As of the latest reports, the fundraiser had garnered significant attention, reflecting Dane's enduring popularity and the empathy his story evoked among fans and peers alike.
Adding a poignant layer to his legacy, Dane's final interview, featured in the Netflix special Famous Last Words, was released just one day after his death. In it, he addressed his daughters directly, offering words of love and reflection. "Billie and Georgia, these words are for you. I tried," Dane said. "I stumbled sometimes, but I tried. Overall, we had a blast, didn’t we? I remember all the times we spent at the beach, the two of you, me and Mom in Malibu, Santa Monica, Hawaii, Mexico. I see you now playing in the ocean for hours, my water babies. Those days, pun intended, were heaven."
This extended message captured Dane's warmth as a father, reminiscing about family vacations and shared joys. He continued by sharing life lessons gleaned from his illness, hoping to guide his daughters forward. "I wanna tell you four things I’ve learned from this disease, and I hope you won’t just listen to me. I hope you’ll hear me," he said. "First, live now, right now, in the present. It’s hard, but I learned to do that. For years, I would wander off mentally, lost in my head for long chunks of time, wallowing in worry and self-pity, shame and doubt."
Dane's advice extended to embracing passion and connection. "Fall in love," he urged. "Not necessarily fall in love with a person, although I do recommend that as well. Fall in love with something. Find your passion, your joy [and] find the thing that makes you wanna get up in the morning, drives you through the entire day. I fell in love for the first time when I was about your age. I fell in love with acting." These words, delivered with his characteristic blend of humor and sincerity, have resonated widely since the special's release, offering comfort to his family and inspiration to viewers.
While the GoFundMe and family statements present a unified narrative of loss and resilience, no conflicting reports have emerged from other outlets at this time. Earlier coverage, such as a related Us Weekly article on how Dane's daughters were coping during his illness, portrayed a family drawing strength from one another. "Get Through It," the piece titled, highlighted their efforts to navigate the challenges, though specifics remained private.
Looking ahead, the campaign's success could set a precedent for how Hollywood communities rally around affected families, much like fundraisers for other stars battling serious illnesses. Dane's advocacy may also spur increased funding for ALS research; organizations like the ALS Association have noted a uptick in donations following high-profile cases. For Billie and Georgia, the support represents not just financial aid but a testament to their father's impact.
As tributes pour in from co-stars and fans on social media, including messages from Grey's Anatomy alumni like Ellen Pompeo, the focus remains on honoring Dane's memory. His journey from soap opera actor to respected advocate leaves a legacy of perseverance, reminding the public of the human side of fame and the unforgiving nature of diseases like ALS.