Eric Dane sparked health concerns three weeks before his death, at age 53, on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle against the incurable degenerative neurological disorder, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
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The ailing father-of-two was set to be honored with the Advocate of the Year Award during The ALS Network's Champions for Cures and Care Gala on January 24.
But Dane was forced to cancel 'hours before' the benefit 'due to the physical realities of ALS' and not being 'well enough to attend,' the organization told People.
'This award is not just for me, it's for my beautiful family and loved ones who are fighting,' the Euphoria star said in a pre-recorded message broadcast at the gala.
'And it's for every person who has faced ALS with courage, for every caregiver who gives their heart — day after day — and for every advocate who is a voice for progress.
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'The ALS Network makes a powerful impact by uniting care and research to improve and extend the lives of people living with ALS. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this. With help from the ALS Network, we will finally kick the s*** out of ALS.'
Eric Dane sparked health concerns three weeks before his death, at age 53, on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle against the incurable degenerative neurological disorder ALS (pictured June 18)
On Thursday, The ALS Network posted a tribute to Dane 'whose courage in the face of ALS inspired millions.'
'After publicly sharing his diagnosis, Eric used his voice to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and shine a global spotlight on the urgent need for treatments and cures,' a representative wrote via Instagram.
'We were honored to collaborate with him and name him our 2025 Advocate of the Year. His strength, honesty, and compassion helped the world better understand what families facing ALS endure every day.
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'The ALS Network extends heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and to all who were touched by his advocacy. His impact on the ALS community will not be forgotten.'
The Actor Award winner was diagnosed with the condition also known as Lou Gehrig's disease in April 2025, and as the months went by he lost the function of his dominant right arm and legs.
Dane spent his final days 'surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife Rebecca Gayheart and his two beautiful daughters Billie, 15; and Georgia, 14; 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,' his family said in a statement.
The ailing father-of-two was set to be honored with the Advocate of the Year Award during The ALS Network's Champions for Cures and Care Gala on January 24
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But Dane was forced to cancel 'hours before' the benefit 'due to the physical realities of ALS' and not being 'well enough to attend,' the organization told People
'This award is not just for me, it's for my beautiful family and loved ones who are fighting,' the Euphoria star said in a pre-recorded message broadcast at the gala. 'And it's for every person who has faced ALS with courage, for every caregiver who gives their heart'
On Thursday, The ALS Network posted a tribute to Dane 'whose courage in the face of ALS inspired millions'
The Actor Award winner was diagnosed with the condition also known as Lou Gehrig's disease in April 2025, and as the months went by he lost the function of his dominant right arm and legs
Dane spent his final days 'surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife Rebecca Gayheart and his two beautiful daughters Billie, 15; and Georgia, 14; who were the center of his world' (pictured July 24)
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The San Francisco-born actor concluded his role as the closeted real estate agent Cal Jacobs in the eight-episode third season of Euphoria, which premieres April 12 on HBO Max
Dane also managed to have the strength to shoot the six-episode series Kabul, the 13-episode series Countdown and one episode of Brilliant Minds last year (pictured)
'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 54-year-old Jawbreaker alum had dismissed her divorce petition in March last year following seven years of estrangement.
On average, ALS patients reportedly live two to five years following their first symptoms, but FDA-approved medications and physical/speech therapies might slow down the progression of the disorder.
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The San Francisco-born actor concluded his role as the closeted real estate agent Cal Jacobs in the eight-episode third season of Euphoria, which premieres April 12 on HBO Max.
Sam Levinson's drug-fueled drama will welcome newcomers Sharon Stone, Rosalía, Marshawn Lynch and Kadeem Hardison in the new season.
Dane also managed to have the strength to shoot the six-episode series Kabul, the 13-episode series Countdown and one episode of Brilliant Minds last year.
He famously got his big break portraying plastic surgeon Mark 'McSteamy' Sloan from 2006–2012 on the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy.