‘He Was So Heroic’: Eric Dane Remembered by His Friends and Costars

Rolling Stone

by Charisma Madarang

February 20, 2026

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Eric Dane, the veteran actor known for his role as Bill Hargrove in *Euphoria*, has passed away at the age of 53 following a battle with ALS. Tributes have poured in from friends, costars, and Hollywood peers, who are honoring his memory and celebrating his resilience in the face of illness. Among those paying tribute were Sam Levinson, creator of *Euphoria*, Alyssa Milano, Maria Shriver, Ashton Kutcher, and others. They shared heartfelt messages about Dane’s impact as both an actor and a passionate advocate for ALS awareness. Dane’s journey with ALS began when he publicly revealed his diagnosis in April 2023, just months before his passing. His family described him as a “passionate advocate” who used his voice to raise awareness and support research for the disease. Sam Levinson reflected on their friendship and collaboration, calling it a “gift” and expressing condolences to Dane’s family. Alyssa Milano, who worked with Dane on *Charmed*, remembered his charm, wit, and unwavering love for his family in a touching Instagram post. She highlighted how he carried his daughters and wife, Rebecca Gayheart, close to him even when they weren’t physically present. Maria Shriver, whose publishing imprint will release Dane’s memoir, *Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments*, praised his “heroic” approach to living with ALS. She shared how he wanted his family to know how much he loved them and aimed to leave behind a story of strength and resilience. Ashton Kutcher also paid tribute, recalling their shared love for fantasy football and humorously noting that Dane would be watching over the game from above. John Stamos remembered their time working together on *Wedding Wars* and expressed deep sadness over his passing. Dane’s legacy extends beyond his acting career; he became a symbol of courage and advocacy for those living with ALS. His ability to use his platform to raise awareness about the disease has inspired many, making his story one of both personal triumph and broader cultural significance. His tributes highlight not only his professional achievements but also the deep respect and love he earned from those around him. As Hollywood mourns his loss, Eric Dane’s memory will continue to be

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Originally published on Rolling Stone on 2/20/2026