One of Eric Dane’s Final Roles Was Boosting Visibility for ALS: “Used His Platform Not for Attention, But for Action”

Hollywood Reporter

by Carly Thomas

February 25, 2026

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Eric Dane, best known for his roles in *Grey’s Anatomy* and *Euphoria*, used his final year to make a significant impact beyond acting. After publicly revealing his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in April 2025, he dedicated his platform to raising awareness and funds for the rare degenerative disease. Partnering with organizations like Target ALS and I AM ALS, Dane became a prominent advocate, joining Target ALS’s board of directors and serving as an ambassador for I AM ALS. His efforts included launching campaigns such as “Ending ALS Starts with You” and “Push for Progress,” which aimed to secure $1 billion in federal funding for ALS research over three years. These initiatives helped raise over $500,000 in 2025 alone. In addition to his nonprofit work, Dane combined his advocacy with his acting career by starring in a season two episode of *Brilliant Minds*. In the episode, he played Matthew, a firefighter grappling with an ALS diagnosis and its emotional toll on his family. The show’s creators emphasized their commitment to authenticity, collaborating with ALS doctors and consulting individuals with personal connections to the disease to ensure accurate storytelling. Dane’s portrayal not only honored his own experience but also highlighted the challenges of living with ALS in a relatable way. Dane’s advocacy extended beyond acting and fundraising; he also lobbied Congress in Washington, D.C., alongside I AM ALS leadership to increase federal funding for ALS research and reauthorize the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act. His meetings with lawmakers, including U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, underscored his commitment to advancing medical progress for those affected by ALS. Despite his passing on February 19, 2026, after a years-long battle with the disease, Dane’s legacy continues to

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/25/2026