Eric Dane has died at 53 after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the degenerative condition commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Dane passed away on February 19, 2026, roughly 10 months after the actor publicly shared his diagnosis.
In a statement provided to TMZ, his family confirmed that the “Grey’s Anatomy” star died Thursday afternoon, surrounded by those closest to him. They said the star spent his final days with dear friends and his two daughters, Billie and Georgia, who remained at the center of his life. The statement also noted that following his diagnosis, Dane became committed to raising awareness about ALS and supporting research efforts. The family asked for privacy as they mourned his loss.
Dane is survived by his daughters, shared with his ex-wife, Rebecca Gayheart. The couple married in October 2004. Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018 after more than a decade together. Years later, in March 2025, the actress and model reportedly moved to dismiss the divorce petition, signaling a renewed sense of unity after a lengthy separation.
Here’s what to know about his relationship with his former spouse, Rebecca Gayheart, and his family roots.
He and Gayheart Were Married in 2004
Dane and Gayheart tied the knot on October 29, 2004, in a low-key ceremony in Las Vegas. Their relationship moved quickly. In a past interview with Flaunt magazine, Dane described their beginning in simple terms, saying it started with a casual invitation to go out and, less than a year later, they were married.
Before meeting Dane, Gayheart had been in a long-term relationship with director Brett Ratner. The two were together for 13 years and became engaged in 1997. However, the engagement ended in 1999.
He Had Two Daughters With His Ex-Wife
He and Rebecca shared two daughters. Their first child, Billie, was born in Los Angeles on March 3, 2010. She was named in honor of Dane’s father. Now a teenager, Billie, who graduated from middle school in June 2024, has developed an interest in modeling and dance.
Their second daughter, Georgia, was born on December 28, 2011, completing their family of four.
Dane’s Wife Filed for Divorce in 2018
In February 2018, Rebecca Gayheart filed for divorce from Eric Dane after 14 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences.
At the time, Dane shared a statement with PEOPLE, saying, “After 14 years together we have decided that ending our marriage is the best decision for our family. We will continue our friendship and work as a team to co-parent our two beautiful girls as they are the most important thing in the world to us.”
However, their divorce proceedings never reached a final judgment. In March 2025, Gayheart filed a request to dismiss the petition without prejudice.
Who Were Eric Dane’s Parents? He Grew Up With Two Siblings
He was born on November 9, 1972, in San Francisco, California, to William Melvin and Leah Dane, later known as Leah Geraldine Cohn. His father worked as an architect and interior designer, while his mother was a homemaker.
When Dane was seven years old, his father died from a gunshot wound. He was then raised primarily by his mother in San Francisco. In later interviews, the actor acknowledged how difficult it was to lose a parent at such a young age.
He grew up with two younger brothers, though the details of his siblings aren’t much in the media.
Dane was raised in the Jewish faith. He attended a Jewish school and celebrated his Bar Mitzvah. His family background includes English, Russian-Jewish, and Finnish ancestry.
