Celebrities are paying tribute to Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane after his death at age 53.
Alyssa Milano, Ashton Kutcher and Maria Shriver led the tributes via social media as stars reacted to the tragic loss.
Dane’s family confirmed his death on Thursday, February 19, in a statement to Us Weekly.
“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,” the statement read. “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 Dane Dead: ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Alum Dies at 53 After ALS Battle
The statement concluded, “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.”
The Euphoria star publicly revealed he had been diagnosed with ALS in April 2025.
“I have been diagnosed with ALS,” he told People in a statement at the time. “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, often causing loss of muscle control. The disease progressively gets worse over time and does not have a cure.
In December 2025, Dane said his family was his first priority on his health journey but added that he was committed to raising awareness about the disease.
“Obviously, I have a family at home and they’re the first priority, but this is such a big deal to me to make sure that people are aware of what ALS is and what it’s about and, more importantly, what we can do to combat it and improve the landscape,” he shared in a December 2025 virtual panel discussion in collaboration with advocacy organization I AM ALS, for which Dane was an ambassador.
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In a June 2025 interview with Good Morning America, Dane praised his estranged wife, Rebecca Gayheart, who is the mother of his daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, for her support.
“I talk to her every day,” Dane said on the morning talk show. “We have managed to become better friends and better parents and she is my — probably my biggest champion. My most stalwart supporter. And I lean on her.”
Dane added that he was focusing on his family and “fighting as much” as he could.
“There’s so much about it that’s out of my control,” he explained to Diane Sawyer at the time. “I’m angry because, you know, my father was taken from me when I was young and now there’s a very good chance I’m going to be taken from my girls while they’re very young. At the end of the day, all I want to do is spend time with my family and work a little bit if I can. … They’re loved. They know it.”
Keep scrolling to see which stars have spoken out in the wake of Dane’s death.
Alyssa Milano
Alyssa Milano, who costarred alongside Dane on Charmed, shared her grief over his death via a heartfelt Instagram tribute posted on Thursday.
“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,” she wrote. “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.”
She added, “The spark. The mischief. The tenderness he kept guarded but never totally hidden.”
Ashton Kutcher
Ashton Kutcher also honored Dane via an X post shared on Thursday.
“The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane. We know you’ll be watching from the booth,” Kutcher, 48, wrote. “Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS.”
Maria Shriver
Maria Shriver, whose publishing imprint, The Open Field, was working with Dane to publish his memoir, Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, also shared her heartbreak over the actor’s death.
“I’m heartbroken by this devastating news about Eric Dane. What a tragedy. He was so heroic the way he handled his diagnosis. He used his voice to let the world know what it was like living with ALS,” she wrote via X. “I was honored he chose my publishing imprint to publish his memoir. He told me he wanted his family to know how much he loved them, and he wanted to leave them a story they could be proud of. My love goes out to his family, and to all those battling this cruel disease, as well as all those caring for someone battling it.”
She concluded, “Godspeed, Eric. It was an honor to know you, and we will honor your story. ♥️.”
Nina Dobrev
Posting via her Instagram Stories, Dane’s Redeeming Love costar Nina Dobrev sent a heartfelt tribute.
“Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Eric. He was warm, generous, prepared, and so passionate about what he did,” she wrote. “He led with kindness and made everyone on our set feel seen. ALS is a cruel and unforgiving disease.”
The actress added, “May his memory inspire more research, awareness, and progress toward a cure. He will be deeply missed. Sending love and heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Sam Levinson
The creator of Euphoria, Sam Levinson, broke his silence via a statement shared with Variety.
“I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. Working with him was an honor,” Levinson told the outlet. “Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing.”
Kevin McKidd
Dane’s former Grey’s Anatomy costar Kevin McKidd shared a photo of Dane in character as McSteamy, writing, “Rest in peace buddy.”
Sarah Drew
Another Grey’s star, Sarah Drew, reacted by reposting the same image as McKidd. She wrote, “Rest in peace,” and expressed her devastation with three crying emojis.
Krista Vernoff
Former Grey’s Anatomy showrunner Krista Vernoff shared a text exchange that she shared with Dane when he reprised his role as Mark “McSteamy” Sloan for a dream sequence in season 17 alongside love interest Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh). Both Lexie and McSteamy had been killed off in the season 8 finale and season 9 premiere, respectively.
“I called Eric and he answered immediately,” Vernoff reflected in a post shared via Instagram. “I said will you come back? I know it’s a pandemic and shooting is a nightmare but we’re gonna do it on the beach and keep our social distance because the world needs joy and Mark and Lexie are joy. He said where and when. When I came to set that day, he said, we’re breaking the rules and hugging now right?”
She continued, “The thing I will remember most about Eric Dane are his hugs. The best hugs. Oh my friend. I wish you peace.”
Selma Blair
Selma Blair wrote, “I love you. And yours,” via her Instagram Stories alongside a throwback clip of herself and Dane starring together on The WB’s Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane.
Paul Walter Hauser
Dane’s Americana costar Paul Walter Hauser shared a photo of the actors together via Instagram as he reflected on their time together and shared his grief.
“We tried to book gigs, we tried to laugh at the pain and we tried to stay sober. I’m glad we got to play together in Americana,” he captioned the post. “I love you, man. I wish we had more time. Enjoy the arms of Father God. I’ll see you again. 🫡 RIP #EricDane.”
John Stamos
Posting via Instagram, John Stamos paid tribute to Dane by writing, “RIP, Buddy. Me and @realericdane played brothers years ago in a beautiful movie called, Wedding Wars. Good guy. Too soon. Xo J.”
Frank Grillo
Dane’s Little Dixie costar Frank Grillo said his “heart is broken” after news of the actor’s death.
“We lost a good man @realericdane who I had the pleasure of sharing the screen with. We became pals and laughed often. My prayers go out to his beautiful family. See you on the other side brother,” he wrote in his tribute via Instagram.
Alexander Ludwig
Alexander Ludwig, who appeared with Dane in the 2024 film Bad Boys: Ride or Die shared his pain as he spoke about his time with the late actor.
“Ugh this hurts so much. Will miss you Eric and loved our time together. You were a joy to work with,” he wrote.
Martin Lawrence
Another Bad Boys: Ride or Die alum, Martin Lawrence, sent love to Dane’s family as he paid tribute to his former costar via social media.
“My condolences go out to the family of @realericdane. I can tell you firsthand — solid brotha, true professional, and brought that presence every single time. Much love! #ericdane #badboysfamilyforlife,” Lawrence wrote.
Andy Cohen
Bravo’s Andy Cohen honored Dane via a touching Threads post.
“So sad to hear about Eric Dane’s passing,” Cohen wrote. “A great actor and a force of a human being. ALS is absolutely heartbreaking. A devastating end to a strong man.”
Patrick Dempsey
“I just woke up this morning and it was very sad to read the news. It’s hard to put into words. I feel really so sad for his children,” the Grey’s Anatomy alum said Friday, February 20, on Virgin Radio U.K.’s The Chris Evans Breakfast Show. “I was corresponding with him, we were texting, so I spoke to him about a week ago, and some friends of ours went in to see him and he was really starting to lose his ability to speak. He was bedridden and it was very hard for him to swallow, so the quality of his life was deteriorating so rapidly.”
“He was the funniest man — he was such a joy to work with, and I want to just remember him in that spirit, because any time he was on set, he brought so much fun to it,” Dempsey added. “He had a great sense of humor. He was easy to work with. We got along instantly. First scene was him, you know, in all his glory, coming out of the bathroom with the towel on, looking amazing, making you feel completely out of shape and insignificant.”
Kim Raver
The Grey’s Anatomy actress shared via Instagram, “Eric was a light. You’d see it effortlessly shine from him on the set of Grey’s as well as when he was with Rebecca and the girls. During filming he’d get this twinkle in his eye and with a mischievous look, he would deliver with perfect comedic timing, a line of dialogue that would floor you! You will be missed 🤍.”
“My love and thoughts go out to Rebecca and their girls. We love you,” she added.
Jensen Ackles
Dane’s Countdown costar Jensen Ackles paid tribute via Instagram.
“Rest in peace my brother,” he wrote. “I’ll see you down the road.”
Melanie Liburd
“It was an absolute honor and a pleasure to work and spend time with you,” Melanie Liburd wrote via Instagram of costarring with Dane in Bad Boys: Ride or Die. “My heart goes out to your family and loved ones. Rest well, Eric 🤍.”
Peter Facinelli
“May you be greeted at heaven’s gate with the same abundance of love as you gave to the world brother. Til we meet again @realericdane 🙏,” Peter Facinelli captioned an Instagram tribute. “Rest in sweet peace.”
Dana Waldman
Dana Waldman is the cochair of Disney Entertainment, which produces Grey’s Anatomy.
“Today marks 20 years since Eric Dane first appeared on Grey’s Anatomy — a moment that introduced audiences to a truly unforgettable talent,” Waldman wrote via Instagram after his death. “Eric was a cherished member of our ABC and Disney family, whose presence on and off screen left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working with him. His portrayal of Mark Sloan became an indelible part of television history, and his legacy will continue to live on through the stories he helped bring to life and the people who knew and loved him.”
Jenny Lewis
“Rest in peace to my friend Eric Dane,” Jenny Lewis wrote via X. “A true blue, kind-hearted man. I am so grateful to have spent some time with Eric, Rebecca and their girls over the last few weeks. Sending my deepest sympathies to Eric’s family and friends.”
