ALS explained as Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane dies age 53 after year long battle with the disease
Following the death of Eric Dane, here is what you need to know about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The actor, known for his roles as Dr Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy and Cal Jacobs on Euphoria, revealed he'd been diagnosed with the neurodegenerative condition last year. His family have now confirmed that he had passed away on Thursday (19 February) afternoon in a statement.
"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," the statement issued on behalf of Dane's family read.
"He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife [actress Rebecca Gayheart] and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.
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"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 concluded: "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."
ALS explained
According to the NHS website, ALS is the most common type of motor neuron disease (MND), a neurodegenerative disorder which causes progressive muscle weakness.
The illness is often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease in the US, after Lou Gehrig, a famous baseball player during the 1920s and 30s, developed the condition.
His diagnosis and death brought increased international attention to the disease and how it progresses.
Mayo clinic explains that ALS destroys nerve cells - called motor neurons - in the brain and spinal cord which are responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement.
Around 10 percent of patients diagnosed with ALS have a genetic predisposition to the disease, while the rest of cases have an unknown cause.
Researchers are continuing the develop their understanding of the disease, with environmental risk factors such as smoking, long term exposure to certain toxins, and military service all having been associated with an increased chance of developing the disease.
You can develop ALS at any stage in life, but it most commonly affects people over the age of 50.
What are the symptoms of ALS?
During the initial stages of the disease, patients will notice a weakness in the arms and legs as well as twitches and muscle cramps.
As the disease progresses and more nerve cells in the body die, it becomes difficult to swallow, speak or breathe. Patients will also become unable to walk and may also experience changes in personality.
There is currently no cure for motor neuron disease - patients tend to live around two to five years after diagnosis.
After being diagnosed, Dane did a great deal of work helping to spread awareness about the disease, joining the Board of Directors of organisation Target ALS, and in September 2025 he was named the recipient of the Advocate of the Year Award by the ALS Network.
Brenna Cooper