Eric Dane, the actor best known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, died from respiratory failure due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to his death certificate obtained by People magazine. He passed away on 19 February at the age of 53.
Dane had publicly announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. ALS, also known as motor neurone disease, is an incurable condition that progressively paralyzes muscles by affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
His family stated that he spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his wife, and his two daughters, Billie and Georgia. They described him as a passionate advocate for ALS awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same illness.
Dane married actress Rebecca Gayheart in 2004. Although Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, she called off proceedings after his diagnosis. She remarked that their relationship was not a failure but a success, highlighting their 15 years together and two children.
Tributes poured in from colleagues. Patrick Dempsey, his Grey's Anatomy co-star, remembered him as “the funniest man” and said they spoke about a week before his death when Dane was losing his speech. Euphoria creator Sam Levinson expressed heartbreak, calling working with Dane an honour and his friendship a gift.
