Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane has passed away at the age of 53. The actor, who is remembered as a loving husband and father, had been living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a diagnosis which he publicly announced in April last year. "With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," Eric's representatives told HELLO! in a statement.
"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."
© Getty ImagesA Hollywood icon with endless charm and charisma, Eric will be remembered around the world for his powerhouse performances. Beyond his incredible career, his true legacy lies with his beloved wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, who meant the world to him.
Following his death, his friends launched a GoFundMe with a target of $250,000 "to support his girls and their future needs." It added: "Any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Eric’s wonderful daughters."
Here, we remember the late star and reflect on his most cherished roles as a husband and father…
Remembering Eric Dane
Born in San Francisco, California in 1972, Eric and his younger brother were primarily raised by their mother, Leah Dane. His father, whom Eric described as a "troubled soul" in an interview with Gulf Times, died from a gunshot wound. Eric was seven at the time.
Years later, while attending high school in San Mateo, the Grey's Anatomy star discovered his passion for acting, which came as a complete surprise. "I was a water polo player in high school and my season was short and I ended up getting roped into playing Joe Keller in All My Sons. Dead serious. And I fell in love with it. I was like, this is the greatest feeling ever!" he revealed in 2014.
© Getty ImagesAfter dropping out of high school one month before graduation, he moved to Los Angeles with just $40 in his pocket and took acting classes to refine his craft. Some of his earliest roles included appearances in Saved by the Bell (1991), Renegade (1992) and Gideon's Crossing (2000-2001). While he was already a working actor by the time he landed the role of Dr. Mark Sloan, aka McSteamy, in 2006, the medical drama put him on the map, catapulting Eric to international stardom.
Among his extensive list of credits, Eric subsequently starred in Burlesque (2010), The Last Ship (2014-2018), Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024) and Euphoria (2019-2026).
Wife Rebecca Gayheart
Eric found love with model Rebecca Gayheart, whom he began dating in 2003. A year later, the couple tied the knot in Las Vegas in October 2004. "The gutsiest thing I did was propose to my wife over dinner and jump in the car and fly to Vegas that night to get married," Eric told Gulf Times. "I didn't want her to change her mind. Now that I've got her, 'Let's go.' She said yes and she's been saying yes for the last nine years. She said, 'Yes,' and I said, 'Check.' I love that woman."
In 2010, Eric and Rebecca welcomed their first daughter, Billie, and a year later, they became a family of four with the arrival of their youngest daughter, Georgia.
© Alberto E. RodriguezIn February 2018, Rebecca filed for divorce. "After 14 years together, we have decided that ending our marriage is the best decision for our family," Eric told PEOPLE at the time. "We will continue our friendship and work as a team to co-parent our two beautiful girls, as they are the most important thing in the world to us."
While the duo remained separated, Rebecca requested to dismiss the petition in 2025, just one month before Eric announced his ALS diagnosis. Appearing on Good Morning America in June, the actor shared an update on their relationship. "I call Rebecca. I talk to her every day," he said. "We have managed to become better friends and better parents. And she is probably my biggest champion, my most stalwart supporter, and I lean on her."
Explaining why she decided to stay legally married to Eric, Rebecca told The Cut: "It's a very complicated relationship, one that's confusing for people. Our love may not be romantic, but it's a familial love."
"He made it very clear that he wants to spend time with his family as much as possible, and I am committed to facilitating that," she added.
Daughter Billie Dane
Eric's oldest daughter, Billie, was born on March 3, 2010. "[Billie's] named after my father... Whether it was a boy or a girl, the firstborn was gonna be a Billie," the Burlesque star said on Harry Connick Jr.'s talk show in 2016.
© Gilbert FloresBillie, who is set to turn 16 next month, has inherited her father's passion for performing, though her sights are set on dance. In an interview with fashion brand LoveShackFancy, Rebecca opened up about Billie and Georgia's respective interests. "Motherhood is the most meaningful role I've ever had. My daughters inspire me every day – Georgia shines on the volleyball court, while Billie spends her time dancing," she said.
"The ALS Association is especially important to our family, as my ex-husband Eric was recently diagnosed. Their work has become deeply personal to us."
Daughter Georgia Dane
Georgia, 14, was born on December 28, 2011, and she's been known to join her family on the red carpet. In 2024, Eric was photographed alongside his daughters at the Los Angeles premiere of Bad Boys: Ride or Die at TCL Chinese Theatre, and the girls also accompanied him to the Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in 2017.
© WireImagePenning a sweet post in June 2024, Rebecca revealed that Georgia had graduated from middle school, and she couldn't have been prouder. "Congratulations Georgia!!! You are such an amazing kid with so much grit and grace," raved Rebecca. "I could not be more proud of you Sweet double G! All of your hard work and perseverance has served you well. Now it's time to relax and enjoy summer."
