APPLETON, Wis. — Rebecca Gayheart, the actress and widow of the late Eric Dane, publicly acknowledged a GoFundMe campaign launched to support their two young daughters following Dane's death from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) last week. In a series of Instagram Stories posted on Saturday, February 21, Gayheart, 54, shared nostalgic family photos featuring Dane and their children, Billie and Georgia, while directing followers to the fundraiser aimed at providing financial stability for the girls after their father's passing at age 53.
Gayheart's message was brief but heartfelt, captioned simply with 'Thank you to everyone' alongside a screenshot of the GoFundMe page and a clickable link for donations. The campaign, which seeks to raise funds to cover the family's needs amid Dane's shortened career due to his illness, was initiated by friends in the immediate aftermath of his death on Thursday, February 19. Us Weekly confirmed the news of Dane's passing, noting that he had been battling ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, for nearly a year.
A statement from the family, released shortly after Dane's death, painted a picture of his final days and his enduring legacy. 'With heavy hearts, we share that 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 family's message continued, emphasizing Dane's appreciation for public support: '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.' This plea for privacy comes as the entertainment world mourns the loss of the actor, best known for his roles as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy and Cal Jacobs on Euphoria.
Dane's diagnosis with ALS was publicly announced in April 2025, marking the beginning of a rapid decline that shocked fans and colleagues alike. The progressive neurodegenerative disease, which destroys motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leads to muscle weakness, atrophy, and eventual paralysis, according to the Mayo Clinic. There is currently no known cure, and the condition typically progresses over time, robbing individuals of their ability to move, speak, and breathe independently.
I’ve always had a sense of humor about this. It’s really kind of interesting what’s happening to my body. The mechanics of this disease is pretty interesting to me. It’s when you zoom in and look at how it affects the individual moments is when it can actually bring you down a little bit.
Those words came from Dane himself during what would become his final interview, featured in the Netflix series Famous Last Words. The episode aired the day after his death, offering a poignant glimpse into his mindset amid the illness. He elaborated on his emotional resilience, saying, 'My spirit has been surprisingly pretty buoyant through this journey. I have no idea, there’s no reason for me to be happy in any individual moment, but I am. The progression of this thing is really just remarkable. You know, I’m pretty sure I sound pretty good too, but to me, I feel like I sound like a frog.'
Dane's battle with ALS was compounded by external challenges, including the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on his professional life. Friends and family have pointed to these factors as reasons for the GoFundMe's necessity, despite Dane's established career in Hollywood. The fundraiser, initially targeting $250,000, was set up to ensure that Billie and Georgia, who are still minors, have the resources Dane had hoped to provide for them.
Mike McGuiness, a close friend of Dane's for nearly two decades, took to Instagram on Friday, February 20, to defend the campaign against any potential skepticism. 'My friend of almost two decades just let us after a brutal battle with ALS,' McGuiness wrote, correcting what appeared to be a typo for 'left us.' He described the emotional toll, adding, 'I’m the positive spin guy and can come up with something hopeful in most any situation. This one broke me.'
McGuiness went on to explain the circumstances prompting the fundraiser: 'COVID and ALS did a number on his work life and he, sadly, couldn’t leave his family with the resourced he had hoped. A GoFundMe is being made and I will post it on my story for anyone able to help.' His post highlighted the financial strains faced by many in the entertainment industry during prolonged illnesses, a sentiment echoed in related coverage of the campaign.
The GoFundMe's launch drew immediate attention, with supporters rallying around the family. As of the latest updates, donations have poured in from fans moved by Dane's vulnerability in his final interview and his advocacy efforts. Gayheart's decision to share the link via her social media, which boasts a significant following from her own career in film and television, has amplified the campaign's reach.
Eric Dane's career spanned over two decades, with memorable turns that showcased his charisma and depth as an actor. His portrayal of the brooding yet charming Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy from 2006 to 2012 endeared him to millions, while his more recent role as the complex patriarch Cal Jacobs on HBO's Euphoria demonstrated his range in tackling darker themes. Off-screen, Dane was known for his family-oriented life with Gayheart, whom he married in 2004 after meeting on the set of a commercial.
The couple's relationship, which weathered public scrutiny including a 2011 DUI incident involving Gayheart, ultimately stood as a testament to their commitment. They share daughters Billie, born in 2007, and Georgia, born in 2010. Dane's illness brought the family closer, with reports indicating he focused much of his energy on advocacy in his final months, using his platform to raise awareness about ALS research.
ALS has claimed numerous high-profile lives, underscoring the disease's indiscriminate reach. From physicist Stephen Hawking, who lived with it for decades, to more recent cases like that of actor Michael J. Fox's Parkinson's advocacy (though distinct, it highlights neurodegenerative challenges), Dane's story adds to a growing call for medical breakthroughs. His family's statement emphasized his determination to contribute to this cause, even as his health deteriorated.
As the GoFundMe continues to gain traction, questions linger about long-term support for ALS families. Experts note that while celebrity cases can boost donations and awareness, systemic changes in healthcare and insurance are needed to prevent financial ruin for those affected. For now, the outpouring of support for Dane's loved ones reflects the profound impact he had on audiences worldwide.
In requesting privacy, the family signals a desire to grieve away from the spotlight, though the nature of their public lives makes complete seclusion challenging. Gayheart's subtle endorsement of the fundraiser suggests a balance between seeking help and honoring Dane's memory. As Billie and Georgia navigate this loss, the community's response offers a glimmer of solace in an otherwise devastating chapter.