‘Euphoria’ creator Sam Levinson donates generous $27K to GoFundMe for Eric Dane’s daughters



“Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson and his wife, Ashley, donated a generous $27,000 to a fundraiser for Eric Dane’s daughters, Billie and Georgia, following his death.

The GoFundMe campaign, which was created by friends of the Dane family, sits at $171,555 with the Levinson’s contribution, as of Saturday morning.

The fundraiser was created with a goal of $250,000.

“Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson (pictured above with Eric Dane at the April 2022 HBO Max “Euphoria” FYC event) donated $27,000 to a fundraiser created for Dane’s teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia. FilmMagic for HBO
The GoFundMe was created by friends of the late actor (seen above with his two daughters and wife Rebecca Gayheart in a photo shared on Aug. 20, 2022) with a goal of $250,000. rebeccagayheartdane/Instagram

It was reported that a crowd-fundraiser had been started to help Dane’s teenage daughters on Friday, just one day after the actor died.

“Following his diagnosis, Eric became a passionate spokesperson for the [amyotrophic lateral sclerosis] ALS community, using his voice and platform to advocate for fellow patients and to push for greater awareness. Even as his own health declined, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease,” reads the campaign description.

“As his illness progressed far more quickly than anyone could have imagined, Eric’s friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support his girls and their future needs.”

The campaign for the two teenage girls (seen above smiling alongside their dad at the “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” premiere on May 30, 2024) has raised $171,555 so far. FilmMagic
After his death, Levinson and several other “Euphoria” cast members (pictured above at the 2019 “Euphoria” premiere afterparty) honored Dane with touching tributes. Getty Images for FIJI Water

After his death, several of Dane’s former “Euphoria” and “Grey’s Anatomy” co-stars honored the actor with touching tributes.

In a statement to Page Six, Levinson said he was “heartbroken” over the loss of his “dear friend.”

“Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift,” he continued. “Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing.”

Dane died Thursday at the age of 53 following a battle with ALS.

In a statement given to Page Six, Levinson remembered Dane (both pictured above taking a solo shot at the 2019 “Euphoria” premiere afterparty) saying he was “heartbroken” over the death of his “dear friend.” Getty Images for FIJI Water
Dane (seen above stepping out with his daughter and wife, Rebecca Gayheart) died on Thursday at age 53 following a battle with ALS. ShotbyNYP / BACKGRID

“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife [Rebecca Gayheart], and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” his family confirmed in a statement to People.

“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.”

The family noted that the “Grey’s Anatomy” alum “adored his fans” and “is forever grateful” for the love and support he’s received over the years. They’ve asked for privacy at this “impossible time.”

In the new Netflix series “Famous Last Words,” which was released on Friday only hours after his death was announced, Dane was able to share his final words to his daughters.

The actor was “surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters” (pictured above posing for photos at the 16th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in June 2017) in his final days. WireImage
Dane offered his final words to his daughters in the Netflix series, “Famous Last Words,” which was released shorty after his passing. Netflix

“I tried. I stumbled sometimes, but I tried. Overall, we had a blast, didn’t we?” he started, before sharing one last lesson for his girls.

“I hope you won’t just listen to me, I hope you’ll hear me,” he began. “First, live now, right now in the present. It’s hard, but I learned to do that.”

“For years, I would wander off mentally, lost in my head for long chunks of time, wallowing in worry and self-pity, shame and doubt,” the “Charmed” alum continued. “I replayed decisions, second-guessed myself. ‘I should have done this. I never should’ve done that.’ No more.”


Ashton Kutcher and Selma Blair lead heartbroken stars paying tribute to Eric Dane as actor dies age 53 after ALS battle


Eric Dane’s celebrity friends and former castmates have been left heartbroken over his death at age 53, with Ashton Kutcher and Selma Blair leading emotional tributes to the late actor. 

The Euphoria star’s passing was confirmed by his loved ones on Thursday in a statement to People – less than one year after he announced his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis. 

Dane was known for a multitude of roles throughout his Hollywood career, including his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan (also known as McSteamy) on Grey’s Anatomy. 

Kutcher took to X shortly after learning the devastating news of Dane’s passing and wrote, ‘The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane.

‘We know you’ll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS.’ 

Kutcher and Dane had previously starred together on the 2010 rom-com film Valentine’s Day. 

Ashton Kutcher and Selma Blair lead heartbroken stars paying tribute to Eric Dane as actor dies age 53 after ALS battle

Eric Dane’s celebrity friends and former castmates have been left heartbroken over his death at age 53, with Ashton Kutcher and Selma Blair leading emotional tributes to the late actor; Dane seen in 2022 in L.A. 

Kutcher took to X shortly after learning the devastating news of Dane's passing and wrote, 'The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane'

Kutcher took to X shortly after learning the devastating news of Dane’s passing and wrote, ‘The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane’

Blair reposted a clip to her Instagram stories from @eric_dane_fan which showed her and Dane in the show Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane.

In text added towards the top of the reel, the actress – who is currently battling multiple sclerosis (MS) – wrote, ‘I love you. And yours.’

Blair was referencing to a scene in the series where their characters accidently took each other’s books. 

Nina Dobrev shared a message to her Instagram stories alongside a behind-the-scenes image of Dane. The pair had previously worked on the 2022 movie Redeeming Love.

She penned, ‘Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Eric. He was warm, generous, prepared, and so passionate about what he did.

‘He led with kindness and made everyone on our set feel seen. ALS is a cruel and unforgiving disease.’ 

The Vampire Diaries alum added, ‘May his memory inspire more research, awareness, and progress toward a cure. He will be deeply missed. Sending love and heartfelt condolensces to his family.’ 

Sam Levinson – the creator of the HBO Max series Euphoria – has also broken his silence on the late star’s death. Dane had played the role of Cal Jacobs on the series.

'We know you'll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let's keep fighting the fight to solve ALS,' Kutcher added; seen in January in Rome

Blair reposted a clip to her Instagram stories from @eric_dane_fan which showed her and Dane in the show Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane; seen in January in NYC

‘We know you’ll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS,’ Kutcher added

In text added towards the top of the reel, the actress - who is currently battling multiple sclerosis (MS) - wrote, 'I love you. And yours'

In text added towards the top of the reel, the actress – who is currently battling multiple sclerosis (MS) – wrote, ‘I love you. And yours’

Nina Dobrev shared a message to her Instagram stories alongside a behind-the-scenes image of Dane. The pair had previously worked on the 2022 movie Redeeming Love; seen earlier this month in L.A.

Nina Dobrev shared a message to her Instagram stories alongside a behind-the-scenes image of Dane. The pair had previously worked on the 2022 movie Redeeming Love; seen earlier this month in L.A. 

She penned, 'Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Eric. He was warm, generous, prepared, and so passionate about what he did'

She penned, ‘Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Eric. He was warm, generous, prepared, and so passionate about what he did’

‘I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. Working with him was an honor,’ Levinson told Variety.

‘Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing.’

Alyssa Milano also took to Instagram to share a moving tribute to Dane – whom she starred with on the series Charmed. 

‘I can’t stop seeing that spark in Eric’s eye right before he’d say something that would either make you spit out your drink or rethink your entire perspective.’ 

She added, ‘He had a razor-sharp sense of humor. He loved the absurdity of things. He loved catching people off guard.

‘And when it came to his daughters and Rebecca, everything in him softened. He carried them with him even in rooms where they weren’t present. You could see it in the way his voice changed when he said their names. A breathtakingly beautiful family.’ 

Milano also recalled that Dane had ‘convinced me to get my pixie cut and my nose piercing. 

‘He also was with me on the walk when we found Lucy, my beloved rescue chihuahua. He called me “Milano,” as if it was the only part of my name that mattered.’

Sam Levinson - the creator of the HBO Max series Euphoria - has also broken his silence on the late star's death. Dane had played the role of Cal Jacobs on the series; Levinson seen in 2023 in L.A.

Sam Levinson – the creator of the HBO Max series Euphoria – has also broken his silence on the late star’s death. Dane had played the role of Cal Jacobs on the series; Levinson seen in 2023 in L.A.

Alyssa Milano also took to Instagram to share a moving tribute to Dane - whom she starred with on the series Charmed; Milano seen in 2025 in NYC

Alyssa Milano also took to Instagram to share a moving tribute to Dane – whom she starred with on the series Charmed; Milano seen in 2025 in NYC 

'I can't stop seeing that spark in Eric's eye right before he'd say something that would either make you spit out your drink or rethink your entire perspective,' the actress wrote

‘I can’t stop seeing that spark in Eric’s eye right before he’d say something that would either make you spit out your drink or rethink your entire perspective,’ the actress wrote 

The actress concluded with, ‘My heart is with the people who were lucky enough to be his home.’ 

Milano also uploaded a photo of Dane with his family as well as a throwback image of them on Charmed. 

Maria Shriver additionally penned a moving tribute on Instagram alongside a black and white photo of the late actor. 

‘I’m heartbroken by this devastating news about Eric Dane. What a tragedy. He was so heroic the way he handled his diagnosis. He used his voice to let the world know what it was like living with ALS.’

She continued, ‘I was honored he chose my publishing imprint to publish his memoir. He told me he wanted his family to know how much he loved them, and he wanted to leave them a story they could be proud of. 

‘My love goes out to his family, and to all those battling this cruel disease, as well as all those caring for someone battling it. Godspeed, Eric. It was an honor to know you, and we will honor your story. ♥️.’

Late last year in December, it was revealed that the actor had been set to release a memoir about the challenges of ALS.

Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments was announced to be be released under Shriver’s The Open Field, a subset of Penguin Random House, sometime in 2026 – although an official date had yet to be confirmed.

The actress concluded with, 'My heart is with the people who were lucky enough to be his home'; Milano and Dane seen in 2003

The actress concluded with, ‘My heart is with the people who were lucky enough to be his home’; Milano and Dane seen in 2003 

Maria Shriver additionally penned a moving tribute on Instagram alongside a black and white photo of the late actor; seen in 2025 in NYC

Maria Shriver additionally penned a moving tribute on Instagram alongside a black and white photo of the late actor; seen in 2025 in NYC 

'I'm heartbroken by this devastating news about Eric Dane. What a tragedy. He was so heroic the way he handled his diagnosis. He used his voice to let the world know what it was like living with ALS,' she penned

‘I’m heartbroken by this devastating news about Eric Dane. What a tragedy. He was so heroic the way he handled his diagnosis. He used his voice to let the world know what it was like living with ALS,’ she penned 

Grey’s Anatomy star Kevin McKidd reposted an image of Dane on the hit medical drama series with the text: ‘Rest in peace buddy.’

John Stamos penned a tribute on Instagram as he penned, ‘RIP, Buddy. Me and @realericdane played brothers years ago in a beautiful movie called, Wedding Wars. Good guy. Too soon. Xo J.’ 

His family said in a statement on Thursday, ‘With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS.

‘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.’ 

They added, ‘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.’

The award-winning actor is survived by his two teenage daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13, and his wife, Rebecca Gayheart.

ALS is ‘a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord’ and can ’cause loss of muscle control,’ per Mayo Clinic

Dane announced his diagnosis with the disease last year in April. 

Grey's Anatomy star Kevin McKidd reposted an image of Dane on the hit medical drama series with the text: 'Rest in peace buddy'; McKidd seen far right on Grey's Anatomy

Grey’s Anatomy star Kevin McKidd reposted an image of Dane on the hit medical drama series with the text: ‘Rest in peace buddy’; McKidd seen far right on Grey’s Anatomy 

John Stamos is another celebrity who shared a tribute on Thursday upon learning of Dane's death; seen in 2025 in West Hollywood

John Stamos is another celebrity who shared a tribute on Thursday upon learning of Dane’s death; seen in 2025 in West Hollywood 

The Full House alum penned, 'RIP, Buddy. Me and @realericdane played brothers years ago in a beautiful movie called, Wedding Wars. Good guy. Too soon. Xo J'

The Full House alum penned, ‘RIP, Buddy. Me and @realericdane played brothers years ago in a beautiful movie called, Wedding Wars. Good guy. Too soon. Xo J’

The award-winning actor is survived by his two teenage daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13, and his wife, Rebecca Gayheart; seen in 2017 in Brentwood

The award-winning actor is survived by his two teenage daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13, and his wife, Rebecca Gayheart; seen in 2017 in Brentwood 

By June, he revealed to ABC News – in what would become his final interview before his death – that he had lost the function of his right arm and hand.

‘I I feel like maybe a couple, few more months, and I won’t have my left hand [functioning] either,’ Dane told Diane Sawyer.

The TV star added that he was worried about his impending inability to use his legs, which he said was ‘sobering.’

By September, Dane was in a wheelchair.

In the same interview, he said he first began noticing symptoms of what was later diagnosed as ALS more than a year earlier.

‘I didn’t really think anything of it at the time. I thought maybe I’d been texting too much or my hand was fatigued,’ he recalled. 

‘But a few weeks later, I noticed it had gotten a little worse, so I went and saw a hand specialist, who sent me to another hand specialist.’

After he was referred to two different neurologists, Dane was finally diagnosed with ALS. ‘I’ll never forget those three letters,’ he declared.

Dane, who was born in San Francisco on November 9, 1972, suffered an early tragedy when his father died by suicide, leaving Dane’s mother to raise him and his brother by herself, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

'I I feel like maybe a couple, few more months, and I won't have my left hand [functioning] either,' Dane told Diane Sawyer; seen in June 2025 in L.A.

‘I I feel like maybe a couple, few more months, and I won’t have my left hand [functioning] either,’ Dane told Diane Sawyer; seen in June 2025 in L.A. 

His character garnered such an overwhelming response from viewers in his debut episode that he was promoted to a series regular for the show's third season; seen above on Grey's Anatomy

His character garnered such an overwhelming response from viewers in his debut episode that he was promoted to a series regular for the show’s third season; seen above on Grey’s Anatomy

His early acting credits include appearances in Saved By The Bell, The Wonder Years, Roseanne and Married… with Children, but his big break came in 2000 when he was cast in a recurring role in Gideon’s Crossing. 

He then went on to land the role of Jason Dean in Charmed.

In 2005, Dane made a fateful guest appearance on Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Mark Sloan.

His character garnered such an overwhelming response from viewers in his debut episode that he was promoted to a series regular for the show’s third season.

Dane went on to appear on the medical drama until the eighth season, when his character resigned, although he returned fleetingly in season nine before Dr. Mark was killed off.

Dane went on to appear on the medical drama until the eighth season, when his character resigned, although he returned fleetingly in season nine before Dr. Mark was killed off; seen in 2014 in NYC

Dane went on to appear on the medical drama until the eighth season, when his character resigned, although he returned fleetingly in season nine before Dr. Mark was killed off; seen in 2014 in NYC 

More recently, Dane starred as Jacob Elordi’s on-screen dad in the HBO series, Euphoria, which premiered in 2019.

In April, he confirmed that he would be returning to the show as Cal Jacobs for its third and final season.

His other recent film work includes roles in Redeeming Love (2022), the Will Smith and Martin Lawrence–starring Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024), One Fast Move (2024) and Borderline (2025). 

Dane also took on a guest role as a firefighter with ALS in an episode of Brilliant Minds which aired late last year.


Eric Dane dead at 53: Grey’s Anatomy star dies after courageous battle with ALS… less than a year after announcing diagnosis


Eric Dane, who was catapulted to fame after starring as the heartthrob McSteamy on Grey’s Anatomy, has died at 53.

The actor’s death was announced on Thursday, less than a year after he revealed that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

‘With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,’ his family said in a statement to People on Thursday.

‘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,’ they continued. ‘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,’ their statement concluded.

The award-winning Euphoria actor is survived by his two teenage daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13, and his wife, Rebecca Gayheart.

Eric Dane dead at 53: Grey’s Anatomy star dies after courageous battle with ALS… less than a year after announcing diagnosis

Eric Dane, who was catapulted to fame after starring as the heartthrob McSteamy on Grey’s Anatomy (pictured), has died at 53. The actor’s death was announced on Thursday, less than a year after he revealed that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

ALS is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control and paralysis as it gets worse over time, per the Mayo Clinic; Dane is pictured on October 30 in West Hollywood

ALS is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control and paralysis as it gets worse over time, per the Mayo Clinic; Dane is pictured on October 30 in West Hollywood 

'With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,' his family said in a statement to People on Thursday. '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'; pictured with Billie (L) and Georgia (R) in May 2024x

‘With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,’ his family said in a statement to People on Thursday. ‘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’; pictured with Billie (L) and Georgia (R) in May 2024

ALS is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control and paralysis as it gets worse over time, per the Mayo Clinic. 

Following his death, a bevy of stars, including Ashton Kutcher and Nina Dobrev, rushed to social media to pay tribute to Dane.

The actor announced his diagnosis with the disease in April. By June, he revealed to ABC News — in what would become his final interview before his death — that he had lost the function of his right arm and hand.

‘I feel like maybe a couple, few more months, and I won’t have my left hand [functioning] either,’ Dane told Diane Sawyer.

The TV star added that he was worried about his impending inability to use his legs, which he said was ‘sobering.’

By September, Dane was in a wheelchair.

In the same interview, he said he first began noticing symptoms of what was later diagnosed as ALS more than a year earlier.

‘I didn’t really think anything of it at the time. I thought maybe I’d been texting too much or my hand was fatigued,’ he recalled. ‘But a few weeks later, I noticed it had gotten a little worse, so I went and saw a hand specialist, who sent me to another hand specialist.’

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,' the statement continued. 'He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always'; pictured in June 2025 in LA

 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,’ the statement continued. ‘He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always’; pictured in June 2025 in LA

Dane famously portrayed Dr. Mark Sloan in the medical drama Grey's Anatomy (pictured)

Dane famously portrayed Dr. Mark Sloan in the medical drama Grey’s Anatomy (pictured)

His character proved so popular with viewers that he was promoted to a series regular; pictured with series lead Ellen Pompeo on Grey's Anatomy

His character proved so popular with viewers that he was promoted to a series regular; pictured with series lead Ellen Pompeo on Grey’s Anatomy

More recently, Dane played strict and demanding father Cal Jacobs in the HBO series Euphoria (pictured)

More recently, Dane played strict and demanding father Cal Jacobs in the HBO series Euphoria (pictured)

After he was referred to two different neurologists, Dane was finally diagnosed with ALS. 

‘I’ll never forget those three letters,’ he declared. 

Dane, who was born in San Francisco on November 9, 1972, suffered an early tragedy when his father died by suicide, leaving Dane’s mother to raise him and his brother by herself, according to Deadline.

In a 2014 interview with Gulf Times, Dane revealed that he initially had no interest in acting.

Instead, he was focused on sports in high school, where he played on the water polo team, but his life changed when he ‘got roped’ into playing the lead role in a production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons after his season ended early.

The experience gave Dane the acting bug, and he never looked back.

He went on to drop out of high school just a month before graduation and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in Hollywood.

‘I moved down here with 40 bucks in my pocket and took about three or four acting classes a week and tried to figure out what it was about this thing that I liked so much,’ Dane recalled.

He revealed in 2014 that he fell in love with acting after he was 'roped into' starring in a high school production of Arthur Miller's All My Sons. He went on to drop out a month before graduation and moved to LA to pursue acting with just '40 bucks' in his pocket; pictured in 2022 in LA

He revealed in 2014 that he fell in love with acting after he was ‘roped into’ starring in a high school production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons. He went on to drop out a month before graduation and moved to LA to pursue acting with just ’40 bucks’ in his pocket; pictured in 2022 in LA

'I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter,' Dane said in April as he shared news of his ALS diagnosis

‘I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter,’ Dane said in April as he shared news of his ALS diagnosis 

Dane was seen in a wheelchair in Washington, DC at the end of September

Dane was seen in a wheelchair in Washington, DC at the end of September

He shared with People in a 2014 interview that his early career was complicated by his wild streak.

‘I ended up partying for the next eight years,’ he admitted. ‘I got into a lot of trouble.’

His early acting credits include appearances in Saved By The Bell, The Wonder Years, Roseanne and Married… with Children, but his big break came in 2000 when he was cast in a recurring role in Gideon’s Crossing.

He then went on to land the role of Jason Dean in Charmed.

In 2005, Dane made a fateful guest appearance on Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Mark Sloan.

His character garnered such an overwhelming response from viewers in his debut episode that he was promoted to a series regular for the show’s third season. 

‘In the moment, it was just another scene to me,’ he recalled to Sawyer in June. ‘I just remember walking out of a bathroom with a very nice [effects] gentleman blowing smoke [to create steam] toward me.’ 

Dane went on to appear on the medical drama until the eighth season, when his character resigned, although he returned fleetingly in season nine before Dr. Mark was killed off. 

The popular actor wed his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, in 2004 (pictured with their daughters in 2017)

The popular actor wed his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, in 2004 (pictured with their daughters in 2017)

In 2024, Dane revealed on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast that he had left Grey’s Anatomy due to the show’s tightening budget.

‘I wasn’t the same guy they had hired. So I had understood when I was let go,’ he said. ‘And [series creator] Shonda [Rhimes] was really great. She protected us fiercely. She protected us publicly. She protected us privately. … But I was probably fired. 

‘It wasn’t ceremoniously like, “You’re fired.” It was just like, “You’re not coming back,”‘ he explained.

In the same interview, he revealed that he had gone to rehab during his stint on Grey’s Anatomy due to an addiction to painkillers.

‘If you take the whole eight years on Grey’s Anatomy, I was f***ed up longer than I was sober. And that’s when things started going sideways for me,’ he shared. ‘It was overwhelming, and I think I just wanted to pretend that it wasn’t and that I was comfortable with it. Act like you’ve been there, but you haven’t been there.’

Despite having been killed off, Dane’s character returned one more time in 2022’s season 17, when series lead Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) met him on a beach during a hallucination while she was in a coma brought on by a battle with Covid-19.

More recently, Dane starred as Jacob Elordi’s on-screen dad in the HBO series, Euphoria, which premiered in 2019. 

In April, he confirmed that he would be returning to the show as Cal Jacobs for its third and final season. 

Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, but the couple called off their split in 2025 and remained married until Dane's death

Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, but the couple called off their split in 2025 and remained married until Dane’s death

In September, Dane was notably absent from the Emmys despite a previously announced reunion with his Grey's Anatomy costar Jesse Williams to present an award. Williams ended up presenting alone and did not address Dane's absence; pictured in 2022 in LA

In September, Dane was notably absent from the Emmys despite a previously announced reunion with his Grey’s Anatomy costar Jesse Williams to present an award. Williams ended up presenting alone and did not address Dane’s absence; pictured in 2022 in LA

‘I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to [the] set of Euphoria,’ he said in a statement to People.

On the big screen, Dane appeared in an array of huge titles, including Marley & Me (2008), Burlesque (2010) and Americana (2023).

In 2010, he starred alongside Jessica Alba, Kathy Bates, Jessica Biel, and Bradley Cooper in the romcom Valentine’s Day.

His other recent film work includes roles in Redeeming Love (2022), the Will Smith and Martin Lawrence–starring Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024), One Fast Move (2024) and Borderline (2025).

He also played an FBI agent last year in the Amazon Prime Video series Countdown.

Also in 2025, Dane appeared in Jimmy Warden’s directorial debut, Borderline with Samara Weaving and Ray Nicholson.

Dane had been open about his declining health, first revealing his ALS diagnosis in April.

‘I have been diagnosed with ALS,’ he told People at the time. ‘I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.’

In April, Dane confirmed that he would be returning to HBO's Euphoria (pictured) for its third and final season. He starred as Jacob Elordi's on-screen dad, Cal Jacobs

In April, Dane confirmed that he would be returning to HBO’s Euphoria (pictured) for its third and final season. He starred as Jacob Elordi’s on-screen dad, Cal Jacobs

In his interview with Diane Sawyer for Good Morning America in June, Dane spoke about how he was processing his health battle.  

‘I wake up every day, and I’m immediately reminded that this is happening,’ he said. ‘It’s not a dream.’ 

Dane’s wife, Gayheart, also opened up about how their family was dealing with his ‘heartbreaking’ diagnosis.

She said that their teenage daughters were talking to therapists as their father battled with the progressive neurodegenerative disease.

‘I mean, it’s heartbreaking,’ she told People. ‘My girls are really suffering, and we’re just trying to get through it. It’s a tough time.

‘We have some professional therapists who are helping us, and we’re just trying to have some hope and do it with dignity, grace and love.’

Dane and Gayheart wed in 2004. They were married for 14 years before she filed for divorce in 2018. However, the pair called off the split seven years later, and they remained married until his death.

Dane announced his diagnosis just a month after Gayheart requested to dismiss her divorce filing.

‘I mean, we’re definitely dealing with something that has brought us all together, and Eric will always be my family, whether we’re married or not, or living in the same house or not, but yeah, we are closer, but we don’t like the reason why,’ she said. ‘It’s a horrible disease, and I wish that there was a cure. I hope they find one soon, because it is just so sad.’ 

In September, Dane was notably absent from the Emmy Awards despite a previously announced appearance to reunite with his Grey’s Anatomy costar Jesse Williams to present an award.

Williams ended up presenting alone onstage and made no mention of Dane’s absence.

A day later, Dane made a virtual appearance as he revealed a partnership with the nonprofit organization I AM ALS.

In the video, he encouraged people to donate to the cause to find a cure.

‘I’m Eric, an actor, a father, and now a person living with ALS,’ he said in the video.