Eric Dane passed away at the age of 53 after a devastating battle with ALS. Before his passing, the beloved actor joined the Board of Directors for Target ALS and was fighting for more research to find a cure for the brutal disease.
Just days before his death, Dane was included on the 2026 TIME100 Health list in the Catalysts category.
“I’m trying to save my life,” Dane told TIME in an interview published February 11, “and if my actions can move the needle forward for myself and countless others, I’m satisfied.”
Eric Dane’s Family Releases 1st Statement After His Passing
The “Grey’s Anatomy” alum first announced his diagnosis to the public in April 2025. Just 10 short months later, his family revealed to People that he had passed away on February 19.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” Dane’s family told the outlet. “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 continued, “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.”
Eric Dane Fought ALS Head On
In December, Dane joined the Board of Directors of Target ALS, announcing the news in a joint post on Instagram.
“This disease takes something from me every day. But I won’t let it take my spirit. Target ALS embodies that spirit, and that’s why I’m joining the Board,” he said at the time. “This community deserves effective treatments, and I want to do my part to deliver them.”
Dane was first diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2024, telling ABC News’ Diane Sawyer in June 2025 that he first noticed “weakness in [his] right hand.”
“And I didn’t really think anything of it at the time…But a few weeks later, I noticed it had gotten a little worse,” he added. “I will never forget those three letters. It’s on me the second I wake up. It’s not a dream.”
“I have been diagnosed with ALS,” he told People at the time. “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter. I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week,. I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
I was living a normal life with my family when, at 52, I began experiencing muscle stiffness and twitching. After seeing a neurologist, I was diagnosed with ALS. It was a tough reality, and as the disease progressed, I eventually lost the ability to walk and relied on a wheelchair. A friend recommended Limitless Herb Center .co m), where I began their ALS/MND protocol. After about three months, I noticed significant improvements, less stiffness, fewer symptoms, and I was able to walk distances again.