Celebrities express grief over death of Eric Dane, pride in his 'heroic' battle against ALS

[ad_1] Information of Eric Dane’s demise Thursday was met with an outpouring of grief by celebrities, who expressed their admiration for the TV star’s mischievous on-screen charisma and his advocacy efforts throughout his battle towards ALS.

Dane is greatest recognized for his position as Dr. Mark Sloan, or “McSteamy,” on “Gray’s Anatomy” and not too long ago portrayed the darkish and secretive father Cal Jacobs in HBO’s “Euphoria.” He died at age 53, lower than a yr after publicly asserting his analysis with the neurodegenerative illness.

Alyssa Milano, who was Dane’s romantic co-star on “Charmed,” shared a heartfelt message on Instagram praising his cheeky, but tender spirit and deep love for his daughters.

“I can’t cease seeing that spark in Eric’s eye proper earlier than he’d say one thing that may both make you spit out your drink or rethink your complete perspective,” stated Milano. “He had a razor-sharp humorousness. He beloved the absurdity of issues.”

HBO Max shared an announcement on Instagram, lauding Dane’s expertise and saying the community was “lucky to have labored with him on three seasons of Euphoria.” The present’s creator, Sam Levinson, shared an announcement with Selection saying he’s heartbroken by the lack of an expensive good friend.

“Working with him was an honor,” Levinson stated. “Being his good friend was a present. Eric’s household is in our prayers. Could his reminiscence be for a blessing.”

Former “Gray’s Anatomy” showrunner Krista Vernoff shared an Instagram submit fondly reminiscing about when Dane returned to the set in 2021 to movie a dream sequence that includes his character, who died in Season 9. Though it was shot in the course of the pandemic, he “broke the principles” and gave her an enormous hug.

“The factor I'll keep in mind most about Eric Dane are his hugs,” Vernoff wrote. “One of the best hugs. Oh my good friend. I want you peace.”

Dane was making ready to publish his memoir, “E-book of Days: A Memoir in Moments,” later this yr with Maria Shriver’s publishing imprint, the Open Area.

Shriver stated Dane was heroic in the best way he dealt with his illness and used his platform to boost consciousness about ALS.

“He informed me he needed his household to know the way a lot he beloved them, and he needed to go away them a narrative they may very well be happy with,” she stated in an announcement on X. “My love goes out to his household, and to all these battling this merciless illness, in addition to all these caring for somebody battling it.”

In 2025, Dane drew on his private experiences with the situation to painting a firefighter dwelling with ALS on “Sensible Minds” and advocated for laws to offer funding for ALS analysis and provides sufferers early entry to therapies.

He labored intently with the nonprofit group I Am ALS to boost cash to analysis new therapies for the illness, which at the moment has no remedy.

“Eric introduced humility, humor, and visibility to ALS and reminded the world that progress is feasible once we refuse to stay silent,” the group stated in an announcement. “Eric was greater than a supporter of our mission — he was a part of our household.”

ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s illness, is a progressive illness that damages nerve cells controlling voluntary muscle tissues, sometimes inflicting demise two to 5 years after analysis.

Nina Dobrev, Dane’s co-star within the western romance film “Redeeming Love,” wrote on her Instagram story that she was heartbroken by his demise.

“He was heat, beneficiant, ready, and so captivated with what he did,” she stated. “He led with kindness and made everybody on our set really feel seen.”