Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane passed away on Thursday at the age of 53. He made his last public appearance in December during a virtual ALS panel. However, it has now been revealed that he was scheduled to appear just weeks later, but had to make a heartbreaking decision not to.
Eric Dane stepped away from his acting career after being diagnosed with ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in April of this year. Since then, he had 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 noticed. At first, he didn’t think much of them.
“I started experiencing some weakness in my right hand, and I didn’t really think anything of it at the time,” 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.”
Following his ALS diagnosis, Dane devoted much of his time to raising awareness. In September 2025, the ALS Network named him Advocate of the Year, recognizing his commitment to supporting people living with ALS.
Eric Dane dead at 53
In a statement to People Magazine, 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,” the statement read. “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, Dane made his final public appearance at a virtual panel featuring I AM ALS and Synapticure co‑founders Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya for Giving Tuesday. He was scheduled for one more special event just weeks later — but had to make the heartbreaking decision to cancel.
He had been set to attend the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care Gala on Saturday, Jan. 24, where he was to receive the Advocate of the Year award for his work raising awareness about ALS.
However, Dane had to cancel. 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 a public appearance just weeks before his death
A spokesperson for the ALS Network told People they were “deeply grateful” for Dane’s “courage, advocacy, and continued commitment to the ALS community.” The organization 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 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 unmistakable. His voice, his advocacy, and his willingness to speak openly about ALS continue to inspire people around the world.
May he rest in peace.
