The ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Euphoria’ star died on Thursday, February 19
Eric Dane’s official cause of death has been confirmed.
The Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria actor died of respiratory failure, according to his death certificate obtained by PEOPLE. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an underlying cause of death.
Dane was 53. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two children, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.
His family confirmed that the star died on Thursday, Feb. 19, nearly one year after he announced he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a progressive degenerative disease that affects the nerve cells, leading to eventual paralysis of the muscles, according to the Mayo Clinic. There is no cure for ALS. However, there are medications and forms of physical therapy that can slow the progression.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” Dane’s family said in a statement to PEOPLE on Feb. 19. “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.”
Dane revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025.
“I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter,” he told PEOPLE at the time.
“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week,” he added. “I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
Dane began filming season 3 of HBO’s Euphoria, where he starred as Jacobs family patriarch Cal, just four days after announcing his ALS diagnosis.
The actor’s first televised performance following his stunning revelation was as a firefighter and 9/11 hero who struggles to tell his wife he’s been diagnosed with ALS on an episode of Brilliant Minds that filmed last October and aired the following month.
Dane said that the most challenging thing about the role was separating himself from his character, but added that he was “grateful” for the “cathartic” experience.
“I have no reason to be in a good spirit at any time, on any given day, I don’t think anybody would blame me if I went upstairs in my bedroom, crawled under the sheets, and spent the next two weeks crying,” he said in a virtual panel featuring I AM ALS and Synapticure co-founders Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya for Giving Tuesday on Dec. 2, 2025.
“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 found it “very encouraging” to know that he can actually have a “buoyant spirit in the face of something so horrible.”
He added, “It’s imperative that I share my journey with as many people as I can because I don’t feel like my life is about me anymore.”
In January, the actor was scheduled to attend the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care Gala and be recognized as Advocate of the Year. However, Dane canceled his appearance hours before, “due to the physical realities of ALS” and not being “well enough to attend,” the ALS Network confirmed to PEOPLE at the time.
“We remain deeply grateful for his courage, advocacy and continued commitment to the ALS community, and we honor him fully this evening with our profound respect and support,” the organization said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE, adding that Aaron Lazar, a fellow actor diagnosed with ALS, would instead “accept the award on [Dane’s] behalf.”
