Eric Dane’s friends launch GoFundMe to support daughters after his death at 53

The fundraiser aims to ease medical costs and provide long-term financial security for the late actor’s two children
Eric Dane attended the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ with his daughters in Hollywood, California (Eric Charbonneau/Getty Image)
Eric Dane attended the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ with his daughters in Hollywood, California (Eric Charbonneau/Getty Image)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Friends of actor Eric Dane have launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his family following his death at 53 after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The fundraiser aims to help cover medical expenses and provide long-term financial support for his two daughters.

Dane, widely recognized for his roles on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Euphoria,’ died 10 months after publicly revealing his ALS diagnosis. His passing sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans, and members of the ALS community, many of whom have since contributed to the online fundraiser.

(L-R) Billie Beatrice Dane, Eric Dane and Georgia Geraldine Dane attend the Los Angeles Premiere of Columbia Pictures' 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' at TCL Chinese Theatre on May 30, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Billie Beatrice Dane, Eric Dane, and Georgia Geraldine Dane attended the Los Angeles premiere of 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

GoFundMe launched to support Eric Dane’s daughters and family

The campaign was created by Dane’s representatives and close friends to assist his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie and Georgia. Organizers said the funds would go toward easing financial burdens related to his medical care and ensuring stability for his children’s future.

Dane died on Thursday, Feb 19, after his illness progressed rapidly. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control voluntary muscles, leading to worsening weakness and loss of mobility.

The fundraising page has quickly drawn contributions from fans of Dane’s work and from others moved by his story (Screengrab/GoFundMe/Friends of the Dane Family)
The GoFundMe page was shared online as friends rallied support for the Dane family (Screengrab/GoFundMe/Friends of the Dane Family)

According to the GoFundMe page, Dane remained committed to helping others even as his condition declined. “Even as his own health declined, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease,” the fundraiser states.

“As his illness progressed far more quickly than anyone could have imagined, Eric’s friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support his girls and their future needs,” it adds.

Eric Dane’s ALS battle and advocacy efforts

Following his diagnosis, Dane became an outspoken advocate for ALS awareness. Supporters noted that he used his public platform to bring attention to the disease and push for greater understanding of its impact on patients and families.

Eric Dane is seen on March 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by BG040/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
Eric Dane was seen during an outing in Los Angeles, California (BG040/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

The fundraising page emphasized that any contribution, regardless of size, would help provide stability during a difficult period and in the years ahead for his daughters.

Dane met Gayheart in 2003, and the couple married less than a year later in Las Vegas. Though they separated in 2018, Gayheart remained a key caregiver during his illness. In an essay published last year, she described managing his medical care through an intensive schedule divided into 21 shifts.

At the time of writing, the GoFundMe had raised approximately $77,337, reflecting the strong response from fans and supporters. Many donors shared messages honoring Dane’s legacy while expressing hope that the fundraiser would help secure his daughters’ future.

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