What Is ALS? Eric Dane's Death Highlights Symptoms and Facts About the Fatal Disease

Eric Dane, the 53-year-old actor known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, died on February 19, 2026, less than a year after publicly sharing his ALS diagnosis. Commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is ultimately fatal and usually develops for unknown reasons. Reports suggest less than 30,000 people in the U.S. have ALS, with about 5,000 people being diagnosed each year. It's most common in adults ages 40 and up, with men being diagnosed more than women.

"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," Dane's family shared in a statement. "He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world. 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."

Many remember the viral social media ice bucket challenge back in 2014 to raise awareness for ALS. Now, Dane’s death has brought ALS back into the spotlight, restarting a much-needed conversation about the fatal disease and its impact.

Related: 'Grey's Anatomy' Star Eric Dane Dies of ALS at 53

What Is ALS?

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that targets the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, which control voluntary muscle movement. As these neurons break down and die, the brain gradually loses its ability to initiate and control muscle movement. This causes muscles to become weak, leading to paralysis.

ALS Symptoms

"ALS often begins subtly, with early signs manifesting in a variety of ways that can be categorized into subgroups based on the site of onset and motor neuron involvement," Brian Lin, Ph.D., research portfolio director of Muscular Dystrophy Association, tells Men's Journal. "Over time, symptoms become more widespread. As motor neurons continue to die, individuals with ALS lose the ability to perform everyday activities and eventually require aid with breathing."

The most common symptoms of ALS include:

• Muscle cramps or twitching, typically beginning in one limb or affecting speech and swallowing
• Stiffness and overactive reflexes resulting from upper motor neuron degeneration
• Muscle wasting, weakness particularly in the hands, legs or feet, and visible cramps or twitching from lower motor neuron degeneration
• Bulbar involvement caused by damaged nerve cells in part of the brain, showing up as difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing, tongue atrophy, and drooling, with sudden, uncontrollable changes in emotions
• Tripping or stumbling
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as buttoning a shirt

When Was Eric Dane Diagnosed With ALS?

Though he didn't share his diagnosis with the public until April 2025, Danes previously shared that he started experiencing symptoms a year and a half prior with weakness in his right hand. He initially brushed it off, but as weakness quickly progressed, he sought medical advice. After several visits to a range of professionals, including his doctor, a hand specialist, and several neurologists, he was diagnosed with ALS nine months after first noticing symptoms. 

How Long Can You Live With ALS?

Every person is unique, but people with ALS generally survive no more than three to five years after the diagnosis of the disease, according to Robert Connors M.D., Co-Director, ALS Center, Hackensack University Medical Center & assistant professor of neurology, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. ALS causes death primarily through respiratory failure.

"It's an awful disease in desperate need of exactly the sort of advocacy and awareness Eric Dane has done in the last year. Hopefully the awareness he has raised will lead to more research," Connors added.

How Did Eric Dane Get ALS?

About 10 percent of ALS cases are classified as familial, meaning the disease is linked to inherited gene mutations. The remaining 90 percent are considered sporadic, with no clearly known cause.

"Some groups are more likely to develop ALS than others," Lin explains. "Military veterans and firefighters are both about twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS. Possible reasons for military members’ increased likelihood could be environmental exposures, physical injuries, or intense physical activity. Similarly, firefighters face an increased risk due to on-the-job exposure to dangerous chemicals, smoke, and other toxic materials."

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