Actor Eric Dane is dead after a battle with ALS. He was 53.
Dane’s family confirmed the news on Thursday, February 19, in a statement to Us Weekly.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric 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. 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.”
Dane — best known for his roles on Grey’s Anatomy, Euphoria and The Last Ship — revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025.
“I have been diagnosed with ALS,” he told People in a statement at the time. “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”
Dane also shared that he planned to keep acting for the time being, confirming that he would soon begin filming season 3 of Euphoria.
“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to [the] set of Euphoria next week,” the statement continued. “I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
ALS — amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease — is an incurable nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the loss of muscle control over time.
Dane is survived by wife Rebecca Gayheart — whom he married in October 2004 — and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia, whom the pair welcomed in March 2010 and December 2011, respectively.
One month before Dane publicly shared his ALS diagnosis, Gayheart filed to dismiss their divorce proceedings in March 2025 after initially taking steps to legally end their marriage in February 2018.
“We are best of friends. We are really close. We are great coparents,” Gayheart told E! News in April 2025 of her dynamic with Dane after their separation. “We really figured out the formula to staying a family and I think our kids are benefiting greatly from it and we are as well.”
From Lou Gehrig in 1939 to Eric Dane in 2025, celebrities have publicly dealt with what is now known as ALS for decades. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a terminal neurodegenerative disorder. The disease causes the individual to gradually lose control of their muscles, beginning gradually with muscle stiffness or […]
Despite their rough patch, Gayheart viewed her and Dane’s marriage in a positive light.
“I think it’s important to not look at a relationship that ends as a failure. It’s just a season. It wasn’t a failure. It was a huge success,” she added. “We were married for, I mean, we are still married, but together for 15 years and we had two beautiful kids so I think that’s a successful relationship, and that’s how we look at it.”
Born in San Francisco in November 1972, Dane landed roles on Gideon’s Crossing and Charmed before his 2005 breakthrough as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy. The season 2 guest-star gig morphed into a series regular position beginning in season 3. While Dane left the ABC medical drama during season 9 in 2012, he briefly returned during season 17 in 2021.
Dane went on to star as Tom Chandler on the TNT drama series The Last Ship from 2014 to 2018 and as Cal Jacobs on HBO’s hit show Euphoria, which premiered in 2019. His film credits include 2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand, 2008’s Marley & Me, 2010’s Valentine’s Day and Burlesque and 2024’s Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
