The California-born actor shared his ALS diagnosis in April 2025 and spent his final months raising funds and awareness for the most common form of motor neurone disease (MND).
His family said in a statement: « With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. »Dane first appeared in the second series of Grey’s Anatomy in 2006 before returning as a main cast member
Dane was married to fellow actress and model Rebecca Gayheart, with whom he had two children.
The statement said he spent his final days surrounded by friends and his devoted wife, and his two daughters, Billie and Georgia, « who were the center of his world ».
« 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. »
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The actor was born in San Francisco in 1972 and made his television debut in the Wonder Years in 1993.
He went on to star as Jason Dean in fantasy drama series Charmed, and Captain Tom Chandler in action drama show The Last Ship, while appearing in films such as Marley & Me, Valentine’s Day and Burlesque.
‘A joy to work with’
Dane’s Grey’s Anatomy co-stars led tributes to the late actor. Patrick Dempsey, who played Dr. Derek Shepherd, described him as being « a joy to work with ».
« He was the funniest man – he was such a joy to work with and I want to just remember him in that spirit because any time he was on set, he brought so much fun to it. He had a great sense of humour, » Dempsey told Virgin Radio.
