What Eric Dane Said About His ALS Battle Before Death

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Eric Dane was never afraid to speak about his health.

Before he passed away on February 19th at the age of 53, the former Grey’s Anatomy actor openly discussed his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Eric first noticed a weakness in his right hand, as he shared on Good Morning America last year. He didn’t think much of it initially, assuming it was from texting or simple tiredness. However, a few weeks later, he realized the weakness was getting worse.

Eric first noticed problems with movement, and nine months later, he received a diagnosis of ALS. He says he’ll never forget the impact of those three letters.

Even though Eric’s illness—which disrupts communication between nerves and muscles, causing paralysis and breathing difficulties—limited his physical abilities, he refused to give up acting.

Even after sharing his diagnosis of ALS, he continued to work on several projects, including filming Countdown, Brilliant Minds, and the final season of Euphoria.

Eric, who has two teenage children, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, with his soon-to-be ex-wife Rebecca Gayheart, told TopMob News in June that he’s determined to keep going for as long as possible. He explained that it helps him stay focused and motivated, which is especially important to him right now.

Even though he faced challenges, like needing treatment that meant he’d miss the 2025 Emmys, the actor remained positive. He felt that openly discussing his health was important because it helped other people.

Eric shared that he feels driven to share his story with others, explaining, ‘My life doesn’t feel like it’s just about me anymore.’ Speaking at a virtual event for the organization I AM ALS in December, he added, ‘I wish it were, but it just isn’t.’

He explained that he wants to raise awareness about ALS – what the disease is, and how we can fight it and make things better for those affected.

For more of what Eric said about his ALS battle, read on.

Eric Dane revealed he received a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often called Lou Gehrig’s disease, in April 2025.

Dane shared with People magazine that he has been diagnosed with ALS. He expressed gratitude for the support of his family as they face this new challenge together.

Despite his recent diagnosis, the Euphoria actor confirmed he wasn’t retiring from acting. He announced in April 2025 that he was still filming the last season of the HBO show.

Dane, who recently starred in the Amazon MGM Studios series Countdown, shared that acting has helped him stay mentally focused while dealing with health challenges.

He told TopMob News in June 2025 that he genuinely enjoys his work. While he’s faced some challenges, he remains optimistic and positive, and that’s what’s most important to him.

Two months after revealing he had been diagnosed, the former Grey’s Anatomy star openly discussed his experience, including the signs that prompted him to seek medical attention.

In June 2025, Dane shared with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America that he first noticed weakness in his right hand. He didn’t worry much about it initially, thinking it was just from texting or overuse. However, a few weeks later, he realized the weakness was getting worse.

After nine months of doctor’s visits – seeing two hand specialists and two neurologists – Dane received a diagnosis of ALS.

The father of two said he’ll never forget receiving those three letters. They weigh heavily on his mind from the moment he wakes up, and it feels all too real – not a dream at all.

He explained how the rare disease has impacted his physical health and also shared his expectations for how it will progress in the future.

During his conversation with Sawyer, Dane explained that the left side of his body is still working, but the right side has lost all function. He added that he worries he may also lose the use of his left hand in a couple of months, which he finds quite concerning.

After more than 20 years of marriage, Rebecca Gayheart has been supporting her husband, Dane, as he deals with health issues. The couple had previously filed for divorce in 2018, but Rebecca requested to dismiss the case in March.

During his interview with Sawyer, Dane explained that he speaks with Rebecca daily. They’ve grown closer as both friends and parents, and he considers her his strongest advocate and a constant source of support, someone he relies on heavily.

According to Gayheart, she and Dane are the “best of friends.”

The Beverly Hills, 90210 star told TopMob News on April 9, 2025, that they have a strong co-parenting relationship. They’ve found a way to successfully maintain a family dynamic, which they believe is greatly benefiting both their children and themselves.

Dane has been celebrating important moments with his daughters, Billie and Georgia, but he’s also shared that he struggles with how his ALS is impacting his family.

The actor explained that he’s struggling with the possibility of his own children experiencing a similar loss to his own, recalling how his father died by suicide when he was a boy. During an interview with GMA, he shared that his biggest desire is simply to be present for his daughters and continue working when possible.

Dane was scheduled to present at the 2025 Emmys with his Grey’s Anatomy co-star, Jesse Williams, on September 14th, but he couldn’t make it. He later revealed that he had to miss the show due to a hospital stay a few weeks prior.

In an interview with The Washington Post published on October 2nd, he revealed he was hospitalized getting stitches while others were at the Emmys, explaining, “ALS is a terrible disease.”

“I was a really upset about it,” Dane added. “But you know, there was nothing I could do about it.”

Okay, so you won’t BELIEVE this! Dane actually met with doctors and people from I Am ALS back in September 2025! He even talked to Congressman Eric Swalwell – seriously, Eric Swalwell! – about getting more federal money for ALS research. It’s amazing – he’s really trying to make a difference with this awful disease that has no cure yet. I’m so proud of him for using his platform to fight for this!

In a TikTok video shared by Representative Eric Swalwell on September 29th, Dane said, “I want to live a full life.” He explained he has two daughters and hopes to see them achieve milestones like graduating college, getting married, and potentially having children of their own.

Dane passed away on February 19th at the age of 53 after a year-long struggle with ALS. His family shared with TopMob that he was surrounded by loved ones – his wife, daughters, and close friends – during his final days.

Eric’s family shared that throughout his battle with ALS, he dedicated himself to raising awareness and funding research, hoping to help others facing the disease. He will be greatly missed and remembered with love. Eric cherished his fans and was thankful for all the support he received. The family asks for privacy as they grieve.

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2026-02-20 06:49