The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Eric Dane, the actor known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, who passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 53 after a battle with ALS. In the days following his death, an outpouring of support has emerged for his family, led by a significant gesture from his Euphoria boss.
Sam Levinson, the creator of the HBO drama Euphoria, has made a substantial donation to a GoFundMe campaign set up to support Dane’s two teenage daughters. The fundraiser, launched by close friends of the late actor, aims to provide financial stability for his children during this difficult time and in the years ahead .
Sam Levinson’s Generous Contribution to the GoFundMe Campaign
Sam Levinson and his wife, Ashley Lent Levinson, contributed $27,000 to the GoFundMe page, making them the top donors on the platform . The campaign was established on February 20, 2026, just one day after Eric Dane’s passing, with a goal of raising $250,000 to cover expenses and secure the future for his daughters .
The fundraiser quickly gained traction, surpassing $184,000 within the first day and climbing past $275,000 shortly after, demonstrating the widespread affection for the actor and support for his family . The page describes Dane’s battle with ALS and his commitment to advocacy even as his health declined.
“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,” reads the message on the fundraising page. “Even as his own health declined, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease” .
Eric Dane’s Final Days and Battle with ALS
Eric Dane publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, less than a year before his death. The progressive neurodegenerative disease, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, eventually leading to loss of muscle control .
Despite his diagnosis, Dane remained committed to his work and his role as an advocate. His family released a statement following his death, noting his dedication to raising awareness. “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,” the family shared .
He is survived by his two daughters, Billie Beatrice Dane, 15, and Georgia Geraldine Dane, 13, whom he shared with ex-wife Rebecca Gayheart. The couple married in 2004 and separated in 2018, but remained connected through their shared commitment to their children .
Tributes from Co-Stars and the Hollywood Community
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from colleagues across the entertainment industry. Sam Levinson issued a heartfelt statement expressing his grief over losing both a colleague and a friend.
“I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing.”
Sydney Sweeney, who plays Cassie Howard on Euphoria, shared an image of the pair on her Instagram story with the words, “Forever will love you” . Barbie Ferreira, another Euphoria co-star, posted a clip from Dane’s “Famous Last Words” interview, which was recorded as a Netflix special to be released posthumously .
Javon Walton, who portrays Ashtray on the show, wrote on his Instagram story, “Words cannot explain how amazing a man Eric Dane is. You will be missed by many. Such a phenomenal guy to work with. I wish his family nothing but the absolute best. Rest easy brother” .
Storm Reid, who plays Gia Bennett, also shared her memories, saying, “While we may have never shared the screen together, every time I saw Mr. Eric, he was kind and full of warmth. I pray he is always remembered that way. Keeping his family and daughters in my prayers” .
HBO provided a statement on behalf of the network, expressing sadness at the loss of an actor who had been part of the Euphoria family for three seasons .
Other Notable Donations to the Fundraiser
Beyond Sam Levinson’s contribution, other entertainment figures have also stepped up to support the cause. Brad Falchuk, the Glee co-creator and husband of Gwyneth Paltrow, donated $10,000 to the campaign . Model Hailey Bieber also contributed $20,000, showing the widespread reach of Dane’s impact across different corners of the entertainment world .
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Addressing Criticism Around the Fundraiser
As with several recent celebrity fundraisers, the GoFundMe campaign for Eric Dane’s family has faced some criticism online. Some social media users questioned why a fundraiser was necessary for a well-known actor, with one Reddit user calling it “gross” and noting that “GoFundMes for people who are actually struggling never get any traction at all” .
Kate Walsh, who co-starred with Dane on Grey’s Anatomy, addressed these concerns directly on Instagram. She pushed back against the notion that all actors are financially secure, especially when facing serious illness.
“A lot of people are under the misconception that actors are rich. But when they go through these debilitating illnesses they go through all their funds.”
Dane’s friend and fellow actors emphasized that medical expenses from a prolonged illness like ALS can quickly deplete resources, regardless of past earnings. The GoFundMe page itself notes that the disease progressed “far more quickly than anyone could have imagined,” leaving the family to deal with both emotional loss and financial pressures .
Eric Dane’s Legacy on Television
Eric Dane leaves behind a significant television legacy spanning two decades. He first gained widespread recognition as Dr. Mark Sloan, nicknamed “McSteamy,” on the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. He played the role from 2006 until 2012, with a guest appearance in 2021, becoming a fan favorite during his tenure .
In recent years, he found a new generation of fans through his role as Cal Jacobs on Euphoria, the troubled and complex father of Jacob Elordi’s character. The role showcased his dramatic range and introduced him to younger audiences. Dane had filmed scenes for the upcoming third season of Euphoria before his health declined, and the season is scheduled to premiere on April 12, 2026 .
His other credits included films like Marley & Me, Burlesque, and Valentine’s Day, as well as the post-apocalyptic series The Last Ship, which ran from 2014 to 2018 .
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