Actor Eric Dane Dies At 53 From ALS
On Thursday (February 19), actor Eric Dane died less than one year after announcing that he had been diagnosed with ALS. The 53-year-old first rose to fame with his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy.
In April 2025, Dane revealed that he had been diagnosed with ALS, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The rare, progressive condition attacks nerve cells and leads to worsening muscle weakness and paralysis. On average, patients live three to five years after being diagnosed.
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Dane’s family announced his passing in a statement released to PEOPLE.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. 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 reads. “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.”
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Eric Dane’s Life & Legacy
Dane married actress Rebecca Gayheart in 2004 and the couple shared two daughters: Billie and Georgia.
The actor first launched his acting career in the ’90s with roles in Saved by the Bell, The Wonder Years, Roseanne, and more. He landed recurring roles in Charmed and Gideon’s Crossing as well as made for television movies in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s.
He appeared in big screen movies like Valentine’s Day and television dramas such as Euphoria which he appeared on until shortly before his death.
In December 2025, Dane joined the Target ALS Board of Directors, “deepening his commitment to accelerating ALS research and driving meaningful change for the ALS community.”
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Eric Dane Shares Touching “Last Words”
In an emotional conversation on Netflix’s “Famous Last Words”, Eric Dane shared heart-wrenching “last words” for his girls. He sat down for the interview before he died, knowing it would be aired posthumously.
“Billie and Georgia, these words are for you. I tried. 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 Santa Monica, Hawaii, Mexico. I see you now playing in the ocean for hours, my water babies. Those days, pun intended, were heaven. I want to tell you four things I’ve learned from this disease, and I hope you don’t just listen to me. I hope you’ll hear me,” Dane shared.
The late actor told his daughters to most importantly, “live in the present.”
“Find your passion, your joy. Find the thing that makes you want to 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. That love eventually got me through my darkest hours, my darkest days, my darkest year. I still love my work, I still look forward to it, I still want to get in front of a camera and play my part. My work doesn’t define me, but it excites me. Find something that excites you. Find your path, your purpose, your dream. Then go for it. Really go for it,” he continued.
Dane also encouraged his girls to choose their friends wisely, as those he loved truly showed up for him when it mattered most.
“Finally, fight with every ounce of your being, and with dignity. When you face challenges, health or otherwise, fight. Never give up. Fight until your last breath. This disease is slowly taking my body, but it will never take my spirit,” the actor said.
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