Eric Dane, best known for roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at age 53 following a battle with ALS. His family confirmed he passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, including his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie and Georgia.
In a statement shared with People, his family described his fight with ALS as courageous. They said Dane became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to help others facing the same diagnosis.
Dane publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, asking for privacy while expressing gratitude for his family’s support. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurological condition that affects muscle control over time.
The actor missed the Emmy Awards during the show’s anniversary year due to complications related to the illness. He later shared that a fall connected to ALS required hospital treatment, leaving him disappointed to miss a reunion with longtime colleagues.
In interviews, Dane described early symptoms, beginning with weakness in his right hand that gradually worsened. After multiple specialist visits, doctors confirmed the diagnosis months later. He spoke openly about losing strength and the emotional impact of the progression.
In his final months, Dane was occasionally seen in Los Angeles with his family. Gayheart later shared that the diagnosis was especially difficult for their daughters, describing the period as heartbreaking for the entire family.
Tributes poured in from colleagues including Patrick Dempsey, Kim Raver, and Kevin McKidd, who remembered him as funny, intelligent, and deeply kind. Fellow creatives praised his efforts to raise awareness about ALS.
Before his death, Dane filmed a reflective interview in which he spoke about his enduring love for Gayheart and his devotion to his children. Remembered for his talent, humor, and advocacy, Eric Dane leaves behind a legacy defined by both his work and his resilience.