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Eric Dane, notably known for his portrayals in Euphoria and Grey’s Anatomy, made public in April of 2025 that he received a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a steadily worsening neurodegenerative condition. He passed away less than a year later on February 19, 2026, at 53 years of age.
After disclosing his diagnosis, the performer proceeded to work as he could and employed his widely known status to promote research and backing for individuals grappling with ALS.
In the latter part of September 2025, Eric journeyed to Washington, D.C. alongside the nonprofit I Am ALS to engage with legislators and press for the renewal of the ACT for ALS — a piece of federal legislation providing funds for research and granting entree to cutting-edge therapies. During those meetings, he voiced the pressing need to broaden assistance for patients and conveyed to advocates his intention to “fight until his last breath” for advancement.
In addition to his advocacy efforts, Dane’s familial life took precedence. He had two daughters, Billie and Georgia, with his spouse, Rebecca Gayheart; their family collaborated to negotiate his wellness journey in unison, with Gayheart speaking candidly about how they broke the news to their children and persevered in bolstering one another each day.
To find out more concerning Eric, his vocation, and his ailment, read on.
Who Was Eric Dane?
Eric garnered recognition for a multitude of roles in film and TV, but his most recent is portraying Cal Jacobs in HBO’s smash-hit series Euphoria. Amongst his former most celebrated roles were playing Mark Sloan in Grey’s Anatomy and Captain Tom Chandler in The Last Ship.
The San Francisco-born actor also made appearances in the shows Saved By the Bell, The Wonder Years, Gideon’s Crossing, Charmed, Private Practice, and Wireless.
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How Old Was Eric Dane When He Died?
Eric was 53 years of age as of February 2026. He came into this world on November 9, 1972.
Eric Dane’s Health
In April of 2025, Eric communicated to People concerning his diagnosis with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
“I have been given an ALS diagnosis,” the actor shared. “I feel grateful for the loving presence of my family as we steer through this upcoming phase. I’m lucky to be in a position to keep working and am eager to get back to the Euphoria set next week. I respectfully request that you grant my family and me privacy at this moment.”
The diagnosis rapidly turned more evident in Dane’s life, notably throughout the 2025 Emmys, when he found himself hospitalized and unable to present. In an interview with The Washington Post, Dane elucidated the grounds for his absence, stating, “ALS proves to be a cruel illness. Thus, I was hospitalized during the Emmys, undergoing the application of stitches to my head.”
He continued, “I missed an opportunity I was genuinely anticipating. It would have been rewarding to see Jesse and reunite with certain peers, and being able to present before my colleagues, I believed, would have marked a special occasion. Therefore, I felt significantly disheartened by it, but understandably, there remained nothing I could do about it.”
How Did ALS Cause Eric Dane’s Death?
Dane spoke openly about the advancement of his ailment during his concluding months. He additionally revealed that he had shed functionality in his right arm and was feeling weakness on his left side.
“I have a single functioning arm. The side that I favor. The left side works, but the right side has ceased operating completely,” he disclosed on Good Morning America. “It’s going. I have a feeling that in maybe a couple or few more months, I’ll lose my left hand, as well. It’s a sobering realization.” He incorporated that his concerns at the time centered on his legs.
Despite such hurdles, the performer pledged to maintain his work and communicated to E! News, “I’m resolved to continue until the very end. When I’m engaged at work, I feel wonderful. Certainly, I’ve encountered certain minor setbacks, but I feel considerably well. I tend to maintain a buoyant spirit, which ultimately holds paramount significance.”
In the closing months of 2025, Gayheart unveiled through a personal essay for The Cut that Dane had nursing care around the clock to aid in controlling the evolution of ALS, a turning point that she labored to secure through a sequence of insurance appeals. In times when nurse shifts were unavailable, Gayheart — accompanied by friends — took over the responsibilities of caregiving.
In the year that followed, Eric was compelled to withdraw from an ALS event at the eleventh hour in January of 2026 due to the “physical challenges posed by ALS” and reportedly not feeling “in adequate health to attend,” according to the ALS Network, as reported by People.
Eric’s passing occurred on February 19, 2026.
What Is ALS?
ALS, otherwise referred to as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease, denotes an illness within the nervous system that impacts cells residing in the brain and spinal cord, culminating in a progressive reduction in muscle control, as noted by Mayo Clinic. This condition typically initiates with twitching and/or muscular weakness, along with challenges in swallowing or slurred speech.
Is There a Cure for ALS?
Currently, there is an absence of a known cure for ALS.
Can You Die From ALS?
Indeed, ALS is regarded as a terminal illness. Consequently, an afflicted individual typically faces mortality after the disease advances to a specified stage.