Eric Dane Reflects on Als in Heartfelt Final Interview Before Passing

Eric Dane gave a moving final interview in December 2025 during a virtual panel for I Am ALS, just two months before he passed away on February 19 at the age of 53. The actor spoke about his work, his diagnosis, and the ways he wanted to use his time to raise awareness about ALS.

During the panel, Dane talked about his guest role on the NBC series Brilliant Minds. In a rare case of art imitating life, he played a character battling the same neurodegenerative disease he was facing in reality. “It was deeply emotional and physically taxing,” he admitted, reflecting on the experience.

He shared that filming was often difficult, and there were moments when delivering his lines felt nearly impossible. “Nobody survives this,” he said, acknowledging the harsh reality of ALS. The diagnosis changed the way Dane looked at his life and work. He said his life no longer felt like it was just about him.

While he remained devoted to his family, he felt a strong responsibility to help the public understand ALS and to show what could be done to fight it. In a powerful gesture, Dane and his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, chose not to finalize their divorce following his diagnosis.

Although they had been separated since 2018, they stayed legally married and focused on raising their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. Dane also shared that while he was open to taking on any acting role, his future work would need to focus on ALS to continue his advocacy.

Fans will soon see some of his final performances, including his role as Cal Jacobs in the third season of HBO’s Euphoria. Reports indicate that he filmed his scenes while using a wheelchair, showing his dedication to acting even as his health declined. The new season, starring Zendaya and Jacob Elordi, is expected to premiere in late April.

Beyond acting, Dane worked on other projects before his death. He completed work on the TV series Kabul and the thriller Countdown. He also finished his memoir, Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, which will be released later this year by Maria Shriver’s The Open Field imprint.

The book reflects on his life in Hollywood and his final journey with ALS. Dane’s portrayal of a firefighter with ALS in Brilliant Minds is being remembered as one of his most courageous performances.

By continuing to work and speak out in his final months, Eric Dane used his personal struggle to raise awareness, advocate for ALS, and show love and devotion to his family. His final act was one of bravery, honesty, and dedication, leaving a lasting impact on fans and the entertainment world.

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