Eric Dane Advocated ALS Awareness Before Passing

Prior to his death on February 19, Eric Dane was outspoken about his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

In a statement released in April 2025, the Grey Anatomy star revealed his condition.He declared, “I have been diagnosed with ALS.” “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”

He went on to say that he considers himself lucky to be able to work. At the time, Dane was employed at Euphoria. He stated that he will be making a comeback to the series the following week.

Dane said, “I respectfully request that you grant my family and I privacy during this time.”

A month later, during the Good Morning America interview, he spoke about his health in an emotional manner.He told correspondent Diane Sawyer, “Every day when I wake up, I’m instantly reminded that this is happening.” “This isn’t a dream.”

On April 14, Dane resumed his acting career and went back to the Euphoria season 3 set.

Dane announced he would return for season 3 after the season 2 finale in February 2022. He appeared in the teaser for the Prime Video series Countdown in May 2025, which also included Jessica Camacho and Jensen Ackles.

The Euphoria actor discussed how his life has altered following his ALS diagnosis in his first in-person interview with Good Morning America in June 2025.

Dane revealed that he was devastated when his daughter saved him during an ocean incident because ALS prevented him from swimming.That day, I jumped into the ocean and thought, ‘Oh, God,’ when I discovered I couldn’t swim [or] produce enough strength to bring myself back to the boat,” Dane claimed. “And then I realized in that moment I’m not safe in the water anymore.”

A number of celebrities have expressed their sincere support for Dane during his diagnosis.

His strength was commended by Colman Domingo, Tina Knowles, and Countdown co-star Jensen Ackles, who sent well wishes and expressed pride in his bravery, resiliency, and the path he is on with ALS.

In December 2025, when he made his final public appearance, Dane described ALS as “so horrible.”

During a virtual panel discussion with I AM ALS and Synapticure co-founders Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya on Giving Tuesday, Dane called the experience “cathartic” and offered insights into his present feelings.During the panel, the actor stated, “I don’t think anyone would blame me if I went upstairs in my bedroom, crawled under the sheets, and spent the next two weeks crying. I have no reason to be in a good mood at any time, on any given day.”

And I was a little bit pleasantly surprised when I realized that I wasn’t built like that, because I thought for sure that was gonna be me.”

Dane’s family acknowledged his death on February 19 and said in a statement that he passed away surrounded by his two cherished children, Georgia and Billie, as well as close friends. As he battled ALS, Eric developed a strong passion for raising awareness and funding research, with the goal of helping those going through similar struggles,” the statement continued.