Celebrity4 min(s) read
Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane spoke out about first ALS symptom he noticed as actor dies aged 53
Eric Dane, the beloved TV star who became a household name on Grey’s Anatomy and later stunned audiences in Euphoria, has died at the age of 53 — less than a year after publicly revealing his heartbreaking ALS diagnosis.
The California-born actor spent his final months bravely raising awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), determined to use his platform for something bigger than himself.
Now, tributes are pouring in from co-stars, creators, and devastated fans.
Eric Dane Dies Aged 53 After ALS Battle
Dane’s family confirmed the tragic news in an emotional statement.
"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," the statement reads.
The actor, who was married to actress and model Rebecca Gayheart, spent his final days surrounded by those he loved most — including his devoted wife and their 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," the statement continued.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rare degenerative condition that leads to progressive muscle paralysis. It attacks the nerve cells in the brain and spine responsible for movement, gradually stripping patients of their ability to speak, eat, walk, and even breathe independently.
The First Signs Of ALS And A Nine-Month Search For Answers
Dane publicly shared his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, after months of uncertainty and medical consultations.
Before the diagnosis, he experienced subtle but troubling symptoms.
"I started experiencing some weakness in my right hand, and I didn't really think anything of it at the time," he explained. “I thought maybe I had been texting too much, or my hand was fatigued. But a few weeks later, I noticed it had gotten a little worse.”
He sought help from multiple hand specialists and two neurologists. After nine months of doctor visits and tests, the diagnosis was confirmed.
The progression was swift and brutal.
"I have one functioning arm. My left side is functioning, my right side has completely stopped working," he shared. “I feel like maybe a couple, few more months, and I won't have my left hand either. It’s sobering.”
He was set to receive the Advocate of the Year Award at the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care Gala but ultimately could not attend.
A spokesperson explained: “The ALS Network has been informed that Eric Dane had hoped to join us this evening to accept his Advocate of the Year Award, but due to the physical realities of ALS, he is not well enough to attend."
Broadway actor Aaron Lazar, who also lives with ALS, accepted the honor on Dane’s behalf.
‘I’m Angry’: Eric Dane’s Raw Words About His Family And Fears
Long before his passing, Dane spoke candidly about the emotional devastation of his diagnosis.
Last summer, during an appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America, he admitted that the news left him furious.
"Because, you know, my father was taken from me when I was young," he said.
"And now, you know, there's a very good chance I'm going to be taken from my girls while they're very young".
His father died by suicide when Dane was just seven years old — a trauma that deeply shaped him.
In another deeply personal reflection, he spoke about an alarming moment during a trip at sea with his daughters.
"When I jumped in the ocean that day and realized I couldn't swim, I thought, 'Oh, God,’” he said. “And then I realized in that moment I’m not safe in the water anymore."
The realization forced him to confront the severity of his condition.
"I'm angry because my father was taken from me when I was young, and now there's a very good chance I'm going to be taken from my girls while they're very young,” he said.
Despite the fear and frustration, Dane made a conscious decision to use his diagnosis for something greater.
"I think it’s imperative that I share my journey with as many people as I can because I don’t feel like my life is about me anymore," he said.
"And it’s something I’ve had to wrestle with because I’m a pretty selfish person, and I’d love for my life to be all about me, but I just can’t - I don’t think I’d be able to move forward if that were the case," he added.