Inside Eric Dane’s heartbreaking battle with ALS as actor dies age 53

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Eric Dane passed away at the age of 53 after a fight with ALS, his family announced on Thursday.

The celebrated actor is remembered by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and his two daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.

As a lifestyle expert, I often talk about taking care of your body, and that includes understanding potential health challenges. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS, is a serious disease that impacts the nerves in your brain and spine. Over time, it causes a loss of muscle control, eventually leading to paralysis. It’s a progressive condition, meaning it gets worse over time, and it’s important to be aware of it.

Dane shared news of his illness in April. Over the following months, his condition worsened – he lost the use of his right arm and hand by June, and by October, he was relying on a wheelchair.

Dane was born on November 9, 1972, and at 21, he moved to Los Angeles to try and make it in the Hollywood film industry.

He started his acting career with small roles in popular shows like Saved by the Bell, The Wonder Years, Roseanne, and Married… with Children. However, his career really took off in 2000 when he landed a regular part on Gideon’s Crossing.

He then went on to land the role of Jason Dean in Charmed.

In 2005, Dane guest appeared in Grey’s Anatomy as Dr Mark Sloan.

Viewers loved his character so much in the first episode that he became a main cast member starting with season three.

Dane continued acting on the medical drama until its eighth season, when he left the show. He made a brief return in season nine before his character, Dr. Mark, was written off with his death.

Dane recently played the father of Jacob Elordi’s character in the HBO series, Euphoria, which first aired in 2019.

He announced in April that he’d be back as Cal Jacobs for the show’s last season.

He expressed his gratitude for being able to continue working and shared his excitement about returning to the set of Euphoria, according to a statement given to People magazine.

Dane has starred in several popular films, such as Marley & Me (2008), Burlesque (2010), and Americana (2023).

In 2010, he appeared with Jessica Alba, Kathy Bates, Jessica Biel, and Bradley Cooper in the romantic comedy Valentine’s Day.

Earlier this year, Dane starred in the first film directed by Jimmy Warden, called Borderline, alongside Samara Weaving and Ray Nicholson.

Dane had been open about his declining health, first revealing his ALS diagnosis in April.

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

During a June interview with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America, Dane discussed how he was coping with his health challenges.

He said he wakes up each day to the stark reality of the situation, constantly aware it isn’t a dream.

Dane’s wife, Rebecca, recently shared how their family is coping with his difficult diagnosis, calling it ‘heartbreaking‘.

She mentioned their teenage daughters were seeing therapists while their father fought a worsening neurological illness.

It truly breaks my heart to see what they’re going through. As a longtime supporter, I know how much her daughters mean to her, and it’s just awful to witness their pain. They’re really struggling right now, and all anyone can do is hope they find the strength to get through this difficult period.

We’re working with skilled therapists and focusing on maintaining hope, dignity, and kindness throughout this process.

Dane and Rebecca got married in 2004 and were together for 14 years. In 2018, Rebecca filed for divorce, but they ultimately decided to stay married and reconciled seven years later.

He revealed his diagnosis one month after Rebecca asked to drop her divorce case.

She explained that while they’ve grown closer, it’s because of a difficult situation that brought them together. Despite any changes in their relationship or living arrangements, she considers Eric family.

This illness is devastating, and I truly hope a cure is discovered quickly. It’s heartbreaking to see people suffer.

Dane Cook didn’t attend the Emmys in September, even though he was scheduled to appear with his former Grey’s Anatomy colleague, Jesse Williams, to present an award.

Williams ended up presenting alone onstage and made no mention of Dane’s absence.

The next day, Dane announced online that he was working with the nonprofit I AM ALS.

In the video, he encouraged people to donate for the cause to find a cure.

‘I’m Eric, an actor, a father and now a person living with ALS,’ he said in the video.

In December, Dane shared a health update while participating in an online discussion for IAMALS.org.

He admitted feeling overwhelmed at times by his diagnosis which impaired his mobility and speech. 

‘I have no reason to be in a good spirit at any time, on any given day,’ an emotional Dane said.

It’s understandable if I just wanted to go to my room and stay in bed, crying, for the next couple of weeks.

Despite his health challenges, Dane is committed to continuing his work and doesn’t plan to retire from acting anytime soon.

‘I’m not about to concede my purpose for some disease. I just am not capable of doing that.

Although my physical abilities as an actor are somewhat restricted, I can still think and speak, and I’m open to trying almost any role or challenge that comes my way.

Even though he’s determined to keep working, he acknowledges that his illness – Lou Gehrig’s disease – is making him reconsider what kinds of acting roles he can handle.

He said he’s open to any acting job, but moving forward, he’ll be focusing on roles related to his character, ALC.

I know it will be hard for people to see me in roles that don’t acknowledge the obvious – and I accept that. I’m just thankful I’m still able to work at all.

Dane’s family announced his passing on Thursday with a statement to People magazine, highlighting his bravery throughout his fight with ALS.

The family said Dane spent his last days with the people he loved most – his wife, close friends, and his daughters, Billie and Georgia, who meant everything to him.

Even as ALS progressed, Eric dedicated himself to raising awareness and funding research, hoping to improve the lives of others battling the disease.

Everyone who knew Eric will miss him dearly, and he will always be remembered with love. He truly cherished his fans and was incredibly thankful for all the support they gave him.

‘The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time,’ the statement concluded. 

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2026-02-20 06:34