Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane passed away on Thursday at the age of 53. He made his last public appearance in December, when he appeared at a virtual ALS panel. However, it’s not been revealed that he was set to appear just weeks before, but had to make a heartbreaking decision not to.
Eric Dane had to leave his acting career behind as he was diagnosed with ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in April this year. He has since been very outspoken about the disease.
“ALS is a nasty disease,” Dane said at the time. “So I was in the hospital during the Emmys getting stitches put in my head.”
In June, during an appearance on Good Morning America, he revealed the first symptoms he felt. In the beginning, however, the actor didn’t think much about it.
“I started experiencing some weakness in my right hand, and I didn’t really think anything of it at the time,” Eric Dane 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, so I went and saw a hand specialist, and he sent me to another hand specialist.”
Actor Eric Dane has been diagnosed with ALS, He is photographed at the St. Regis in Washington, DC on September 30, 2025.
(Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Following his ALS diagnosis, Eric Dane devoted much of his time to raising awareness of the disease. In September 2025, the ALS Network named him the recipient of their Advocate of the Year award, recognizing his commitment to raising awareness and support for people living with ALS.
Eric Dane dead at 53
In a statement to People Magazine, Eric Dane’s family shared that the actor passed away on Thursday, February 19.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” reads a statement from Dane’s family. “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”
“Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. 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 family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
In December 2025, Eric Dane made his final public appearance at a virtual panel featuring the co-founders of I AM ALS and Synapticure, Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya, for Giving Tuesday. He was scheduled for one more special event weeks later – but the actor had to make a heartbreaking decision to cancel.
The actor was scheduled to attend the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care Gala on Saturday, Jan. 24. During the event, Dane was meant to receive the Advocate of the Year award for his work raising awareness about ALS.
However, Dane had to cancel his appearance. According to the ALS Network, he was not “well enough to attend” the gala due to the “physical realities of ALS.”
Dane was forced to cancel public appearance just weeks before his death
A spokesperson for the ALS Network told People that they were “deeply grateful” for Dane’s “courage, advocacy and continued commitment to the ALS community.”
The organization also said it would honor him at the event with “profound respect and support.”
Because Dane could not attend in person, the award was accepted on his behalf by Broadway actor Aaron Lazar, who is also living with ALS.
The ALS Network first announced back in September that Dane would receive the Advocate of the Year award. They praised the Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria actor for bringing “international attention to ALS” through his “leadership and compassion.”
At the time, Dane shared an emotional statement, saying, “This award is more than an honor — it’s a reflection of the incredible strength and courage I see in the ALS community every day.”
Even though he couldn’t be there in person, Dane’s impact was clearly felt. His voice, his advocacy, and his willingness to speak openly about ALS continue to inspire people around the world.
May he rest in peace.