Eric Dane spoke candidly about how his ALS analysis made him really feel within the months earlier than his demise at age 53.
“I don’t assume that is the top of my story. I simply don’t really feel like in my coronary heart that is the top for me,” Dane shared in a June 2025 interview with ABC Information. “I’m preventing as a lot as I can. There’s a lot about it that’s out of my management.”
Whereas the Gray’s Anatomy and Euphoria actor tried to remain constructive, the analysis — which impacts 5,000 new individuals yearly — made him really feel indignant at occasions.
“I’m indignant as a result of my father was taken from me after I was younger, and now there’s an excellent probability I’m going to be taken from my women whereas they’re very younger,” Dane shared with Diane Sawyer. “On the finish of the day, all I need to do is spend time with my household and work just a little bit if I can.”
Dane — who misplaced his father to suicide when he was 7 years previous — shared daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, with spouse Rebecca Gayheart.
Though Gayheart, 54, initially took steps in February 2018 to legally finish her marriage to Dane, she filed to dismiss their divorce proceedings in March 2025.
Throughout his interview with Sawyer, 80, Dane stated his spouse is the one he referred to as when life bought arduous.
“I speak to her on daily basis,” he shared whereas making an attempt to carry again tears. “We now have managed to develop into higher mates and higher dad and mom, and she or he is my largest champion and supporter. I lean on her.”
In the future that proved to be further difficult for Dane was when he was on a ship journey together with his youngest daughter, Georgia.
Whereas he was as soon as a aggressive swimmer and water polo star, Dane recalled one occasion months earlier than his ABC Information interview the place he realized his ALS analysis was having an influence on his physique.
“Once I jumped into the ocean that day and I spotted I couldn’t swim or generate sufficient energy to get myself again to the boat, I believed, ‘Oh God,’” he recalled. “I spotted at that second I’m not secure within the water anymore. (My daughter) dragged me again to the boat. I used to be breaking down in tears. I made positive she bought again within the water together with her good friend and continued on with the snorkeling. However I used to be heartbroken.”
Information broke on Thursday, February 19, that Dane had died on the age of 53. His demise additionally marked 20 years since he made his debut on ABC’s Gray’s Anatomy as Dr. Mark Sloan.
In an announcement shared with Us Weeklyhis household revealed that the actor was “surrounded by pricey mates” in his closing days.
“All through his journey with ALS, Eric turned a passionate advocate for consciousness and analysis, decided to make a distinction for others dealing with the identical battle,” the assertion learn. “He can be deeply missed and lovingly remembered at all times. Eric adored his followers and is without end grateful for the outpouring of affection and assist he’s acquired. The household has requested for privateness as they navigate this unimaginable time.”
