Eric Dane's wife praised for decision to withdraw divorce filing after actor's ALS diagnosis
The late Eric Dane’s wife, Rebecca Gayheart, received an outpouring of support after she withdrew her divorce filing after he was diagnosed with ALS.
The Euphoria actor was just 53 at the time of his death, and since the news broke, fans and friends have mourned the loss of an acting legend.
Dane rose to fame with his role as McSteamy, aka, Dr Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy and then as Nate Jacobs’ dad, Cal Jacobs on Euphoria.
However, he also featured in the likes of Charmed, Marley & Me, Saved by the Bell and The Wonder Years throughout his career.
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After joining the Euphoria cast, which includes the likes of Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney and Jacob Elordi, Dane was given the shock diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - sometimes called Lou Gehrig's disease.
The condition impacts the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that often starts with muscle twitching and weakness, but eventually progresses to losing control of muscles and being unable to speak, eat and breathe.
Through it all, his wife, Gayheart was right there, but she very nearly wasn’t.
The actress explained on the Broad Ideas podcast in November that she decided to call of their divorce to teach their daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, to ‘show up for family’, particularly ‘when times are at their worst.’
“We tell them, ‘We show up for people no matter what. He is our family. He is your father,’” Gayheart revealed.
The couple got married in 2004 and after 13 years of marriage, Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018.
Last March, despite being separated for seven years, she called it off, and one month later, Dane went public with his diagnosis.
However, she wasn’t sure if she was handling the situation the ‘wrong way or right way’ by cancelling their divorce.
“I’m just showing up and trying to be there for [my kids]. I guess time will tell,” she said.
People online have since showed Gayheart a lot of love since the news broke of their choice to end the divorce.
One person wrote: “She withdrew the divorce filing because his diagnosis, their family, their time and her love for him was bigger than now having fo focus on a divorce.”
Another said: “That shows real compassion and humanity. Putting differences aside during such a serious health battle like ALS speaks volumes about loyalty and empathy. Wishing strength and healing for both of them during this difficult time.”
Someone else wrote: “It is incredibly moving to see Rebecca Gayheart stay by his side during this. Facing a battle like this requires so much strength from the whole family. It really puts things into perspective when life changes so quickly like this.”
His family said in a statement: "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.
"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."
Britt Jones