Tributes are pouring in for actor Eric Dane following his tragic passing at the age of 53. It comes almost one year after he announced he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative muscle condition also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
In a statement to People, his family announced the tragic news: “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 centre 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.”
Celebrities pay tribute to Eric Dane
Leading the celebrity tributes was Ashton Kutcher who shared a sweet message to his Valentine’s Day co-star.
“The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane,” Kutcher wrote on X. “We know you’ll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS.”
The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane. We know you’ll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS. pic.twitter.com/00TtwmQHAK
— ashton kutcher (@aplusk) February 20, 2026
Actress Alyssa Milano shared a carousel of images of Instagram, including a shot of Eric with his ex-wife Rebecca Gayheart and two daughters and another of Milano with Dane on Charmed, and wrote:
“I can’t stop seeing that spark in Eric’s eye right before he’d say something that would either make you spit out your drink or rethink your entire perspective. He had a razor-sharp sense of humor. He loved the absurdity of things. He loved catching people off guard.
“And when it came to his daughters and Rebecca, everything in him softened. He carried them with him even in rooms where they weren’t present. You could see it in the way his voice changed when he said their names. A breathtakingly beautiful family. The spark. The mischief. The tenderness he kept guarded but never totally hidden. He convinced me to get my pixie cut and my nose piercing. He also was with me on the walk when we found Lucy, my beloved rescue chihuahua. He called me ‘Milano’, as if it was the only part of my name that mattered.”
She concluded the message, “My heart is with the people who were lucky enough to be his home.”
Eric Dane and Alyssa Milano played lovers on Charmed seasons five and six. (Credit: Charmed)
Sam Levinson, creator of the series Euphoria which starred Eric Dane, shared the following statement to Variety: “I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. Working with him was an honour. Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing.”
Kevin McKidd, who starred alongside Eric Dane on Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Owen Hunt, posted a picture to his Instagram Story of Dane in his scrubs and wrote: “Rest in Peace, Buddy.” Sarah Drew, who played Dr. April Kepner, shared the same pic on her IG Story Story and wrote, “Rest in peace.”
More to come.