Beloved veteran actor, Eric Dane, died on February 19, 2026, at the age of 53. The world is mourning the talented individual, who has entertained the masses with his roles in television and movies for three decades. Eric leaves behind a rich professional legacy, including work on Grey’s Anatomy, The Last Ship, and HBO’s Euphoria. His death followed a courageous 10-month battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a diagnosis he first went public with in April 2025. As he bid the world adieu, here’s everything to know about the ailment that claimed the actor’s life.
What is ALS, the neurodegenerative ailment that led to Eric Dane’s death?
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a terminal neurodegenerative disorder that targets motor neurons. The particular nerve cells are present in the brain and spinal cord, and their function is to control voluntary muscle movement. If these neurons weaken and die, the brain loses its ability to initiate and control muscle action, leading to difficulty in walking, talking and progressive paralysis. Eventually, it affects the ability to breathe and most patients die from respiratory failure when the muscles supporting the lungs fail. It might have been the case for Eric Dane as well; however, there are no confirmed reports regarding the same.
