Actor Eric Danegreatest identified for his roles in “Gray’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” handed away on Thursday, February 19. The 53-year-old actor had introduced in April 2025 that he had been recognized with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, higher referred to as ALS.
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Eric Dane’s Official Trigger Of Loss of life Has Been Confirmed

In accordance with a loss of life certificates obtained by PEOPLE journal, the actor handed away from respiratory failure. ALS was listed as an underlying reason behind loss of life.
The actor is survived by his spouse, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two youngsters: Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.
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Dane ‘Spent His Closing Days Surrounded By Expensive Buddies’

On February 19, the actor’s household shared a short assertion with the publication confirming his passing. “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane handed on Thursday afternoon following a brave battle with ALS,” the assertion learn. “He spent his remaining days surrounded by pricey buddies, his devoted spouse, and his two lovely daughters, Billie and Georgia, who have been the middle of his world.”
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“All through his journey with ALS, Eric grew to become a passionate advocate for consciousness and analysis, decided to make a distinction for others going through the identical struggle. He can be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered at all times,” the assertion continued. “Eric adored his followers and is endlessly grateful for the outpouring of affection and assist he’s obtained. The household has requested for privateness as they navigate this unattainable time.”
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Eric Dane Introduced A Memoir In December 2025
In December 2025, only some months earlier than his sudden passing, the actor revealed that he could be releasing a memoir containing highlights from his life and legendary appearing profession. The memoir, set to be titled “Books of Days: A Memoir in Moments,” was set to be printed by Maria Shriver’s imprint, The Open Subject.
In an Instagram publish saying the memoir, Shriver stated that it was “an honor to publish” his story, writing, “It’s certainly an honor to publish @realericdane’s new memoir about his account of being recognized with ALS and the way he’s coping with it. I’m so humbled and honored that he selected @openfieldbooks to publish his vital story, an imprint identified for publishing bestselling books that rise above the noise and transfer humanity ahead.”
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She continued, “I can not watch for the world to learn his story and study extra about his intention and his objectives. Thanks for entrusting me along with your story, Eric!”
In his personal assertionDane added, “I wish to seize the moments that formed me — the gorgeous days, the laborious ones, those I by no means took without any consideration… If sharing this helps somebody discover that means in their very own days, then my story is price telling.”
Patrick Dempsey Paid Tribute To His Late ‘Gray’s Anatomy’ Costar
On February 20, Dempsey had a visitor look on “The Chris Evans Breakfast Present,” solely at some point after Dane handed away. The actor stated that Dane already had problem talking and that some buddies had been visiting him amid his well being struggles.
“He was bedridden and it was very laborious for him to swallow, so the standard of his life was deteriorating so quickly,” Dempsey shared. He described Dane as a humorous man who was “such a pleasure to work with” and seemed again on their days on “Gray’s Anatomy” fondly.
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“First scene was him in all of his glory popping out of the toilet with a towel on, wanting superb, making me really feel utterly out of form and insignificant,” Dempsey recalled, including, “There was this glorious mutual respect. He is wickedly clever, and I am at all times going to recollect these moments of enjoyable that we had collectively and have a good time the enjoyment that he did carry to folks’s lives.”
‘Gray’s Anatomy’ Creator Shonda Rhimes Pays Tribute
On February 20, “Gray’s Anatomy” creator additionally took to Instagram to pay tribute to the late actor with a carousel of pictures displaying the 2 posing collectively at numerous occasions. “Eric Dane was a beloved member of the Shondaland and Gray’s Anatomy households,” she wrote. “He was actually a gifted actor whose portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan left an indelible mark on the sequence and on audiences world wide.”
She went on to say, “We’re grateful for the artistry, spirit, friendship and humanity he shared with us for therefore a few years. Our hearts are together with his household, family members, and all who have been touched by his work.”
Rebecca Gayheart commented on the publish, writing, “That you just Shonda — I’m nonetheless unable to talk on our loss. Respect this.”