Actor Eric Dane, best known for his role on the series "Grey's Anatomy," died Thursday, 10 months after it was announced that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 53. The news of his death was confirmed by his family in a statement to People magazine. "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Eric Dane passed away Thursday afternoon after a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by loving friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world," the family said.

The same statement noted that "throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a staunch advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for those fighting the same battle. He will be greatly missed and always remembered fondly."

The family added that "Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the love and support he received," while requesting privacy "during this difficult and unimaginable time."

The actor revealed in April 2025 that he had been diagnosed with ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a gradual loss of muscle control. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no cure for the condition.

In a June 2025 interview on “Good Morning America,” he spoke candidly about the early signs of the disease. “I started to feel weakness in my right hand and I didn’t pay much attention to it at the time,” he told Diane Sawyer. “I thought maybe I was texting too much or my hand was tired. But a few weeks later, I noticed it was getting worse.”

In September 2025, he appeared at a Washington airport in a wheelchair, trying to talk to a photographer. When asked what he wanted to say to worried fans, he replied in a broken voice: “Keep the faith.”

Late last month, he abruptly canceled his participation in an ALS event, citing health concerns. It was announced that he was “not well enough to participate” due to “the physical effects of ALS.”