Eric William Dane, the actor best known for his roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at 53, less than a year after revealing he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
His family announced Thursday that he passed following a “courageous battle” with the disease, surrounded by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. “He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always,” the statement said. Dane’s family said his daughters and wife were “the centre of his world.”
Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane was raised by his Jewish mother. He reportedly celebrated Jewish holidays while growing up and had a bar mitzvah. His ancestry included Jewish lineage from Russia and Austria.
Dane publicly shared his ALS diagnosis in April 2025 and quickly became a vocal advocate for research and awareness. Just earlier this month, Dane was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in health for his advocacy work. “I’m trying to save my life, and if my actions can move the needle forward for myself and countless others, I’m satisfied,” he told the publication.
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