Eric Dane, beloved for his role on Grey’s Anatomy, passed away on Thursday, February 19, at the age of 53 after battling ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). In December, during what would become his final public appearance, he spoke openly about the painful reality of living with the disease.

In a statement to People, his family shared, “With heavy hearts, we announce that Eric Dane passed away following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his devoted wife Rebecca, and his daughters Billie and Georgia, who meant everything to him.” The family added that Dane became a passionate advocate for ALS awareness and research, determined to help others facing the same struggle, and asked for privacy during their grief.

During a virtual Giving Tuesday panel in December 2025, Dane spoke candidly about his emotional journey. He admitted there were moments he expected to feel overwhelmed by despair but discovered an inner strength that kept him going. Around that time, he had just completed filming Brilliant Minds, where he portrayed a character living with ALS—a role he described as both difficult and cathartic.

Despite the hardships, Dane remained committed to raising awareness about ALS and pushing for progress in research. Even in his final months, he focused on helping others and spreading hope. Eric Dane is survived by his wife and their two daughters, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, compassion, and courage.