'Grey's Anatomy' Star Eric Dane Passes Away at 53 — Details

Television has lost one of its most recognizable leading men. Eric Dane, whose screen presence and charisma made him a standout figure in primetime drama, has died.

"Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria" star Eric Dane, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has died. He was 53.

The actor's family confirmed his death on February 19, 2026. They also offered a glimpse into what his final moments were like.

In a statement to People, Dane's family said, "With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS."

They added that throughout his illness, he became "a passionate advocate for awareness and research," determined to help others confronting the same disease.

The family also noted that he deeply appreciated the support from fans and asked for privacy as they continue to grieve.

The statement added, "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."

His passing comes months after he offered fans a rare and candid glimpse into his health battle — an emotional appearance that now carries even greater weight.

As previously reported, Dane made a rare and emotional appearance in a new video interview, revealing the personal challenges he faced after being diagnosed with ALS in April 2025.

A Rare Appearance That Shook Fans

The actor opened up in a December 4, 2025, virtual panel about portraying a firefighter with ALS in the NBC drama "Brilliant Minds."

"It was hard, and there were moments where it was very difficult for me to get the lines out," Dane said in the Entertainment Tonight interview. "I've never played a character who's going through something I'm dealing with in real time, in real life as well."

During the panel, his speech was noticeably strained — a heart‑stopping reminder of the disease's relentless progression. "I'm fairly limited in what I can do physically," he shared. As mobility issues grew, showrunners adapted his scenes so he could perform most of them while seated.

One subtle detail viewers may notice is that Dane is chewing gum in certain scenes. According to him, it was more than an acting choice.

"The director said, 'We're going to pick a couple [of] scenes where he's chewing gum.' It came to kind of in the moment," recounted Dane, explaining that chewing gum helps alleviate symptoms like brain fog.

Using His Voice While He Still Can

Even as the disease tightens its grip, Dane stressed his mission: raising awareness. "You want to make sure that people are aware of what ALS is and what it's about and more importantly what we can do to combat it," he noted.

The father of two teenage daughters also revealed that he completed work on two additional series, including the third season of HBO's "Euphoria," since receiving his terminal diagnosis.

He remained committed to acting, though he acknowledged a shift in the roles he was able to take on. "I'm willing to do just about anything. I'll take on any role, but I think from here on out it's going to have to be ALS-centric," he stated.

Speaking about his mindset, Dane added, "I have no reason to be in a good spirit at any time on any given day. I don't think anybody would blame me if I went upstairs in my bedroom, crawled under the sheets, and spent the next two weeks crying. I was a little bit pleasantly surprised to realize that I wasn't built like that."

Heartbroken Fans React

The emotional footage drew immediate reactions from viewers, many expressing sorrow and shock after seeing the alarming change in Dane's condition.

One person wrote, "ALS is awful for all those inflicted. Wow, his condition has progressed so fast. What a [expletive] shame." Another divulged, "Such an amazing man. An example for us all."

A third viewer commented, "My heart breaks for Eric and I'm so sorry he's suffering with this. I wish I had something positive to say about ALS, but I don't. It's an awful way to die."

The Private Family Battle Behind the Scenes

Continuing from the actor's recent on‑screen update, more insight into Dane's health journey and its impact on his family emerged earlier this year.

On April 10, 2025, People published Dane's first public disclosure of his condition. "I have been diagnosed with ALS," he told People exclusively. "I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter."

At the time, the actor was 52 and set to return to filming season 3 of "Euphoria" on April 14. "I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week," Dane mentioned. "I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time."

Dane shared two daughters — Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13 — with wife Rebecca Gayheart. The couple, who married in 2004, made headlines in early 2025 when Gayheart filed to dismiss her 2018 divorce petition, a move Dane agreed to, according to court documents obtained by E! News.

A Marriage Redefined – And Tested

In an April 9 interview, just one day before Dane's public reveal of his illness, Gayheart spoke candidly about their family dynamic.

"We are best of friends. We are really close. We are great coparents," Gayheart said at the Los Angeles premiere of "The Carters: Hurts To Love You."

She emphasized their resilience despite past challenges, stating, "We really figured out the formula to staying a family and I think our kids are benefiting greatly from it and we are as well."

She also reframed their long‑term relationship. "I think it's important to not look at a relationship that ends as a failure. It's just a season. It wasn't a failure. It was a huge success. We were married for, I mean, we are still married, but together for 15 years and we had two beautiful kids so I think that's a successful relationship, and that's how we look at it."

However, the timing of these remarks sparked whispers. In March, Priya Jain — who was photographed with Dane on several occasions — posted images of the two, including matching tattoos and a caption that read, "Life lately, The stars aligned just right, i got my first tattoo and im filled with so much love [sic]."

The post was later deleted. Neither Dane nor Jain has commented publicly on their relationship status.

A Family Struggling to Stay Strong

In a later interview with People on September 27, 2025, Gayheart spoke further about how Dane's diagnosis has affected the family.

Appearing at Step Up's 2025 Inspiration Awards, she disclosed that she and her daughters were receiving emotional support. "We have some professional therapists who are helping us, and we're just trying to have some hope and do it with dignity, grace and love," she revealed.

The emotional toll on their daughters had been profound. "I mean, it's heartbreaking. My girls are really suffering, and we're just trying to get through it. It's a tough time," Gayheart added.

Still, she noted that the girls have shown interest in entertainment, just like their parents. "My 15-year-old definitely wants to model and act," she expressed. "They both talk about it, but they're too young yet."

Eric Dane's journey with ALS unfolded in both his personal life and professional work. Through candid interviews and public appearances, he chose to bring visibility to the realities of living with the disease while continuing to act and remain present for his family.