Meet Eric Dane’s Wife, Rebecca Gayheart, Actress Dismissed Their Divorce After Actor’s ALS Diagnosis

We all remember ‘McSteamy’ from Grey’s Anatomy, and we have loved his evolution from ‘everyone’s Mark Sloan’ to a best friend, an amazing surgeon and a doting father. His exit from the show had to be the cruellest in the history of the show. However, the fan base he built then followed him beyond the screen. So, when he shared about his battle with ALS, the fans were left heartbroken. While fans prayed for the actor’s health, unfortunately, almost a year after a tough battle, Eric passed away on February 19, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

Eric Dane’s demise left the entire entertainment industry heartbroken and his fans deeply saddened. However, amid the news of his demise, the limelight has once again fallen on his estranged wife, Rebecca Gayheart. The actress set aside their differences and stayed with the actor through one of the most challenging phases of his life, even putting their divorce on hold to look after Eric. As fans mourn the loss of an incredible actor, friend, and father, let’s take a look at his wife and how her support became the biggest source of strength in Eric’s journey.

Rebecca Gayheart was Eric Dane’s strongest supporter during his battle with ALS

Eric Dane’s battle with ALS was the most heartbreaking thing for his fans. They saw their favourite star go from being the most active celebrity to being fully dependent on someone else. However, while he was fighting in the forefront of the diagnosis, his wife, Rebbeca Gayheart, quietly stepped into one of the most challenging roles of her life, as her estranged husband’s strongest support system.

Despite having parted ways years ago, the actress had become the Grey Anatomy star’s primary caregiver. During the past year, she talked about her role as Eric Dane’s caregiver and shared how it has become more demanding than ever as Eric’s disease has rapidly progressed, requiring 24/7 medical assistance. From being there for the actor emotionally to fighting insurance providers to secure round-the-clock medical care for Eric, Rebbeca truly came through for the actor.

Who is Rebecca Gayheart?

Rebecca Gayheart rose to prominence as the ‘Noxzema Girl’ in the early 1990s before changing course and entering the film and TV industry. Over the years, she was part of some of Hollywood’s biggest projects, including Scream 2, 90210, Nip/Tuck, Beverly Hills, Jawbreaker and Urban Legend. Apart from that, Rebecca made heads turn with her appearance in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Apart from acting, she has worked extensively in theatre and established herself in Hollywood.

Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart’s whirlwind romance

While her professional career has been a massive success, Rebecca Gayheart’s personal life has not been nearly as smooth. The couple had a whirlwind romance, with Eric asking her out in 2003, and the two soon fell in love. The romance escalated quickly, and the couple decided to tie the knot in 2004, less than a year after they started dating. She spent several years building a life with her husband, Eric Dane, and their two daughters, Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine. All this while, she balanced her personal life with work, motherhood, and a complicated marital life before deciding to part ways with Eric. 

Why did Rebecca Gayheart decide to split ways with Eric Dane?

More often than not, things are not as shiny as they appear on the surface, and the same was true of Rebecca Gayheart and Eric Dane’s marital life. While the couple had built a beautiful life together, things were not working out for them. However, after 15 years of marital bliss and two gorgeous daughters, Rebecca filed for divorce in 2018. However, while they parted ways and started living separately, they never legally finalised their divorce.

Years later, an unfortunate diagnosis changed everything. Earlier in 2025, Rebecca Gayheart dismissed the petition after Eric Dane publicly announced he had been diagnosed with ALS in April 2025. For those unversed, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a condition that attacks nerve cells controlling muscles. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or motor neuron disease, ALS leads to the breakdown of nerve cells that control voluntary muscles, resulting in the inability to move, speak, or swallow as the disease progresses. There is currently no cure for the disease. 

Rebecca Gayheart once opened up about her bond with Eric Dane after his ALS diagnosis

Rebecca Gayheart previously opened up about her bond with Eric Dane and her decision to stay by his side. She reflected on their marriage and shared that it is based on love, duty, maturity and shared parenthood. She added that she believes they have presented a wonderful example of “compassion” and unity rather than a romantic reunion for their daughters. Although they no longer share a romantic bond, Rebecca called it “familial love” centred around loyalty and care. She was quoted as saying:

“We separated, but we never got a divorce; we were about to and then we didn’t. We haven’t lived in the same home for eight years; he’s dated other people, and I’ve dated someone. It’s a very complicated relationship, one that’s confusing for people. Our love may not be romantic, but it’s a familial love.”

What are your thoughts on Eric Dane’s relationship with Rebecca Gayheart? Let us know.

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