What Is ALS? Eric Dane Of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Dies 10 Months After Announcing The Diagnosis

Beloved veteran actor, Eric Dane, died on February 19, 2026, at the age of 53. The world is mourning the talented individual, who has entertained the masses with his roles in television and movies for three decades. Eric leaves behind a rich professional legacy, including work on Grey’s Anatomy, The Last Ship, and HBO’s Euphoria. His death followed a courageous 10-month battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a diagnosis he first went public with in April 2025. As he bid the world adieu, here’s everything to know about the ailment that claimed the actor’s life.

What is ALS, the neurodegenerative ailment that led to Eric Dane’s death?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a terminal neurodegenerative disorder that targets motor neurons. The particular nerve cells are present in the brain and spinal cord, and their function is to control voluntary muscle movement. If these neurons weaken and die, the brain loses its ability to initiate and control muscle action, leading to difficulty in walking, talking and progressive paralysis. Eventually, it affects the ability to breathe and most patients die from respiratory failure when the muscles supporting the lungs fail. It might have been the case for Eric Dane as well; however, there are no confirmed reports regarding the same.

Eric Dane’s almost year-long battle with ALS

Eric Dane was diagnosed with ALS in early 2025. In early 2024, he experienced symptoms of the disease, including weakness in his right hand, which he initially dismissed as fatigue. In April 2025, the actor formally shared his ALS diagnosis with PEOPLE. After two months, he revealed in a Good Morning America interview that he had completely lost function in his right arm and hand. In September–October 2025, Eric became completely dependent on a wheelchair for movement. His speech became noticeably slurred, and, due to his weak limbs, he suffered a fall in the kitchen, which caused him to miss the 2025 Emmy Awards.

Eric required 24/7 nursing care as the disease weakened his left side’s mobility. Recently, on January 24, 2026, the Grey’s Anatomy star was forced to withdraw from the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care Gala in Pasadena, California, just hours before it began. Organisers released a statement explaining that Eric was not “well enough to attend” due to the “physical realities of ALS.” At the event, he was set to be honoured as the Advocate of the Year for his work raising awareness since his April 2025 diagnosis. Due to his absence, fellow actor, Aaron Lazar, who also has ALS, accepted the award on his behalf.

Eric Dane’s final moments before death by ALS

In a statement released by the representative of Eric Dane’s family, it was confirmed that he died peacefully, surrounded by his “devoted wife,” Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia Dane. Expressing their heavy hearts, they noted that Eric’s family was “the center of his world”. The veteran actor’s family described him as a passionate advocate who was determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight until the end. Eric’s family requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time, while also acknowledging the “outpouring of love and support” from his fans. The statement could be read as:

“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. 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.”

More about Eric Dane

Eric Dane (1972–2026) was a prominent American actor best known for his portrayal of ‘Dr. Mark ‘McSteamy’ Sloan’ on the medical drama, Grey’s Anatomy and ‘Cal Jacobs’ on Euphoria. Despite his illness, he continued to work, appearing in the 2025 series, Countdown and essaying his final guest role as a firefighter battling ALS on NBC’s Brilliant Minds. Eric Dane’s memoir, Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, is scheduled for release later in 2026. He is survived by his wife, actress and model, Rebecca Gayheart, and their children. Though the couple separated in 2018, she became his primary caregiver during his battle with ALS.

We offer our heartfelt condolences to Eric Dane’s family as they deal with his loss.

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