Eric Dane died on February 19, 2026, after a year-long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), his family confirmed on Thursday. His final moments were in the presence of his family, including two daughters, Billie and Georgia, and close friends. The actor was 53 and had previously announced his diagnosis in April 2025. Tributes for his time in the acting world began pouring in almost immediately.
Eric Dane’s colleagues remember the actor after his death
Euphoria creator Sam Levinson revealed he is ‘devastated’ over losing his ‘dear friend’ and said, "It was an honor to work with him. Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory remain a blessing."
Fellow Grey’s Anatomy cast members Kevin McKidd, James Pickens Jr. and Sarah Drew shared a photo of the star on their Instagram stories and wrote, "Rest in peace, friend," And "rest in peace."
John Stamos wrote on his social media, “RIP, Buddy. Me and Eric Dane played brothers in a beautiful movie called Wedding Wars years ago. Good guy. Soon enough. XO J.”
Meanwhile, Ashton Kutcher wrote on X (formerly Twitter) how Franklin Strip Fanatics will miss the fantasy football league star and is sure he will be watching from above. He also vowed to join the fight to solve ALS.
His Charmed co-star Alyssa Milano recalled his warm-hearted existence and love for his family, "He liked the absurdity of things. He loved to catch people by dodging them. And when it came to his daughters and Rebecca (Gehart), everything softened inside him. He would take them with him even to rooms where they were not present. You could see it in the way his voice changed when he said their names. …spark. prank. He protected the tenderness but never hid it completely."
The Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev, who worked with the actor in Redeeming Love, called him ‘warm, generous, prepared and very passionate’ about his work, who leads with kindness and makes others feel welcome. He hopes his death will lead to more research on ALS.
As his fellow stars and fans hear the news of his passing, more memories and words of condolence are emerging on the internet. His family has asked for privacy during this important time.
Also read: Ellen Pompeo reveals conversation with Grey’s Anatomy co-star Eric Dane on her ASL diagnosis: ‘The phone rings 30 seconds later’