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Franklin Today
By the People, for the People
Actor Eric Dane, known for 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Euphoria', dies at 53 after battle with ALS
Patrick Dempsey, Dane's former co-star, pays tribute to the "funniest man" he worked with.
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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Eric Dane, the actor known for his roles in popular TV shows like "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria", has passed away at the age of 53 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Dane's former "Grey's Anatomy" co-star Patrick Dempsey has paid tribute to him, describing Dane as the "funniest man" he worked with and praising his sense of humor on set.
Why it matters
Dane's death at a relatively young age highlights the devastating impact of ALS, a terminal neurodegenerative disease that progressively robs people of muscle control. His public advocacy for ALS awareness in his final year brought greater attention to the disease and the need for research and support.
The details
Dane announced his ALS diagnosis in 2025, less than a year before his death. In his final months, he struggled with rapidly deteriorating speech and mobility, according to Dempsey. Despite his declining health, Dane remained committed to using his platform to educate others about ALS and advocate for the ALS community.
- In December 2025, Dane guest-starred on the TV series "Brilliant Minds", portraying a firefighter diagnosed with ALS.
- Dane passed away on February 20, 2026, surrounded by friends, family, and his devoted wife Rebecca Gayheart.
The players
Eric Dane
An American actor known for his roles in popular TV shows like "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria". He passed away at the age of 53 after a battle with ALS.
Patrick Dempsey
An American actor who co-starred with Dane on "Grey's Anatomy" and described him as the "funniest man" he worked with.
Rebecca Gayheart
Dane's wife, with whom he shared two children. The couple had a "very complicated relationship" but remained close.
What they’re saying
“He was the funniest man – he was such a joy to work with and I want to just remember him in that spirit because any time he was on set, he brought so much fun to it. He had a great sense of humour.”
— Patrick Dempsey, Actor (The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin Radio)
“The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr Eric Dane. We know you'll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let's keep fighting the fight to solve ALS.”
— Ashton Kutcher (X (formerly Twitter)
What’s next
Dane's legacy and advocacy for ALS awareness will likely continue to inspire greater research and support for the disease, even after his passing.
The takeaway
Eric Dane's untimely death at 53 from ALS serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of this terminal illness, but also highlights the importance of raising awareness and funding research to find a cure for this debilitating disease.
