Get you up to speed: Eric Dane’s Fundraiser for Late Grey’s Anatomy Co-Star Exceeds £200,000
Eric Dane, known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, died at the age of 53 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The GoFundMe fundraiser established to support his family has raised over $275,000.
The ALS Association released a statement acknowledging Eric Dane’s advocacy efforts for the ALS community, highlighting his commitment to raising awareness about the disease. Following his passing, the Democratic Party extended condolences to Dane’s family, reflecting on his impact both as an actor and advocate.
The GoFundMe campaign for Eric Dane‘s family has reached over $275,000 with the goal of $500,000. Friends of Dane are actively managing the fundraiser to ensure financial support for his two teenage daughters following his passing.
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Eric Dane: Fundraiser for family of late Grey’s Anatomy actor surpasses £200,000
A fundraiser has secured more than $275,000 (£200,000) for the family of the late Grey’s Anatomy actor Eric Dane, who died on Thursday at the age of 53.
The US star, also known for his role in the HBO series Euphoria, had the condition amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Dane announced he had developed the progressive neurodegenerative disease last year.
A fundraiser was set up by friends of Dane and his family to raise $500,000 (£370,000) for his two teenage daughters “who were the centre of his world”.
Image: Eric Dane at a promotional event for the TV series Euphoria in LA. Pic: Reuters
Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and his wife Ashley appeared to have donated $27,000 (£20,000) to the GoFundMe platform.
Brad Falchuck, Glee co-creator and husband of Gwyneth Paltrow, donated $10,000 (£7,400).
Hollywood pays its tributes to the much loved star
The US actor’s death was confirmed on Friday by his representatives, who said he had been surrounded by wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, daughters Billie and Georgia, and friends.
Hollywood actors have been paying tribute, including co-star Patrick Dempsey, Ashton Kutcher, Alyssa Milano, John Stamos, Nina Dobrev, Maria Shriver, Grey’s Anatomy boss Shonda Rhimes and Euphoria creator Levinson.
Dane is best known for playing the fan favourite Dr Mark ‘McSteamy’ Sloan on the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy from 2006 until 2012, with a guest appearance in 2021.
He more recently starred in the HBO hit drama Euphoria alongside Jacob Elordi and Zendaya, playing the conflicted antagonist Cal Jacobs.
Dane and Gayheart married in 2004, and separated in September 2017. Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, but later filed to have the petition dismissed.
She described their dynamic as “very complicated” in a December essay she wrote for New York magazine’s The Cut, adding: “Our love may not be romantic, but it’s a familial love.”
The model and photographer Janell Shirtcliff also shared her memories of Dane in a series of Instagram posts on Saturday.
Image: Eric Dane and Janell Shirtcliff in LA in June 2025. Pic: Cover Images/AP
The GoFundMe fundraising page, described as supporting “his girls and their future needs”, described Dane’s battle with the condition.
“Following his diagnosis, Eric became a passionate spokesperson for the ALS community, using his voice and platform to advocate for fellow patients and to push for greater awareness.
“Even as his own health declined, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease,” it read.
Gayheart shared a photo of the GoFundMe on her Instagram stories at its launch, captioning it: “Thank-you everyone.”
Dane is also known for his roles in Charmed, Burlesque, Marley & Me and Valentine’s Day and between 2014 and 2018 he played Tom Chandler in post-apocalyptic action series The Last Ship.