Eric Dane, the actor best known for his roles on “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” died on Thursday, February 19, at the age of 53 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the BBC reported. While posthumous performances in “Euphoria” season three and “Family Secrets” await release, Dane’s final year was defined by a determined effort to raise awareness and funding for research into the devastating neurodegenerative disease.
Dane publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, but rather than retreat from public life, he immediately embraced an advocacy role. He partnered with organizations including Target ALS and I AM ALS, leveraging his platform to amplify the urgency for increased research and support for those living with the disease.
Dane joined the Board of Directors at Target ALS and became the face of their “Ending ALS Starts with You” campaign, contributing to the organization raising over $500,000 in 2025 to accelerate the search for treatments. He too served as an ambassador for I AM ALS, helping launch their “Push for Progress” campaign, which aims to secure $1 billion in federal funding for ALS research over the next three years.
Last month, Dane was recognized as Advocate of the Year at the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care Gala. His advocacy extended to Washington, D.C., in October 2025, where he joined I AM ALS leadership to lobby Congress for increased federal funding and the reauthorization of the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act, which is set to expire in 2026. He met with lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, to underscore the critical need for continued investment in ALS research.
Dane also integrated his advocacy into his acting work, appearing in a November episode of the NBC medical drama “Brilliant Minds.” He portrayed Matthew, a firefighter grappling with an ALS diagnosis and the challenges of accepting help from his family as the disease progresses. “We really wanted to honor him and his experience and be really truthful about it,” said “Brilliant Minds” creator Michael Grassi, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The episode’s writers consulted with ALS doctors and individuals with personal experience with the disease to ensure accuracy and sensitivity.
Dane first experienced symptoms of ALS a year and a half before his public diagnosis, according to reports. His death, confirmed by his representatives, came less than a year after his diagnosis was made public.
I AM ALS released a statement following Dane’s death, noting that he “used his platform not for attention, but for action.” The organization highlighted his commitment to driving research, securing funding, and fostering a stronger community for those affected by ALS. “Eric brought humility, humor, and visibility to ALS and reminded the world that progress is possible when we refuse to remain silent,” the statement continued.
Target ALS also praised Dane’s immediate and profound impact on their community, emphasizing his willingness to contribute to the fight against the disease. “Partnering with Eric was a way to fight back, to accelerate research and advance effective treatments for this disease,” the organization stated. “At Target ALS, we will carry this work forward in Eric’s honor, and in honor of the many who came before him.”
As Congress prepares to consider the reauthorization of the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act, the future of federal funding for ALS research remains uncertain.
