Eric Dane’s friends launch fundraiser for daughters after actor’s death
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Eric Dane’s friends are taking action after the “Grey’s Anatomy” actor died this week at the age of 53 from a battle with ALS.
Family friends started a campaign GoFundMe She is campaigning to support her daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, after their father battles the devastating disease.
The GoFundMe page included a statement published by relatives mourning the loss of the beloved actor, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
ERIC DANE’S HEARTBREAKING LAST WORDS TO HIS DAUGHTERS IN HIS LAST INTERVIEW BEFORE HIS DEATH FROM ALS ARE REVEALED
Family friends created a GoFundMe for Eric Dane’s two daughters. (Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
“It is with deep sadness that we share the loss of Eric Dane after a difficult battle with ALS,” the statement said. “HE He left his devoted wife behindRebecca Gayheart and her two young daughters, Billie and Georgia, were the center of his world.”
The fundraiser was designed to provide financial stability for their daughter.
The creators of the page explained that the money raised would cover their education, housing and other basic needs as they “face uncertainty” without their father.
It underlines the immense loss the family is facing, but also celebrates Dane’s legacy as an advocate for ALS awareness as his own health rapidly deteriorated.
‘GREE’S ANATOMY’ STAR ERIC DANE DIES AT 53
“Following his diagnosis, Eric became a passionate spokesperson for the ALS community, using his voice and platform to advocate for other patients and raise greater awareness,” the page read. “Any contribution, no matter how large, will help provide stability for Eric’s wonderful daughters during this incredibly difficult time and into the future.”
Dane died on February 19, less than a year after publicly sharing his ALS diagnosis. (Netflix)
The donation goal was set at $250,000; “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson and his wife Ashley donated $27,000.
News of the fundraiser follows the release of Dane’s deeply personal video interview, which he recorded for Netflix’s “Famous Last Words” last November. The emotional images included Dane’s last messages to his daughters.
REBECCA GAYHEART SERVES AS CAREGIVER FOR HER estranged husband ERIC DANE WHILE ALS REQUESTS 24-HOUR CARE
“Billie and Georgia, these words are for you,” Dane said, his voice cracking as he spoke directly to the camera. “I tried. I stumbled sometimes, but I tried. Overall, we had a lot of fun, didn’t we?”
She shared touching memories, including moments spent playing in the ocean with her daughters, calling them her “water babies.” The actor then taught his daughters a few life lessons that he hopes they’ll hold onto forever.
Dane was best known for his role on “Grey’s Anatomy.” (Disney General Entertainment Content via Bob D’Amico/Getty Images)
strongly encouraged his two daughters living in the moment.
“All you have is this moment. Cherish it. Cherish every moment,” he encouraged, reflecting in part on how ALS has forced him to stop worrying about the future and just live in the present.
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Dane also emphasized the importance of love for his two daughters. Explaining that acting was his saving grace in his darkest times, he advised, “Find love in your life, whether it be with someone or a passion.” “This love finally saved me from my darkest hours… My work does not define me, but it excites me.”
Dane shares daughters Billie and Georgia with wife Rebecca Gayheart. (Rebecca Gayheart/Instagram)
The “Grey’s Anatomy” star concluded her message by encouraging her daughters to face life’s challenges with grace.
“This disease is slowly taking my body, but it will never take my soul,” he said. “So, when the unexpected happens to you, and it will happen, tackle and face it with honesty, integrity, and grace. Even if it feels insurmountable, I hope I have shown that you can face anything.”
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Dane’s last words to Billie and Georgia were a father’s final act of love and guidance: “Fight on, girls, and hold your heads up. You are my heart. You are my everything. Goodnight. I love you.”
Although Gayheart and Dane no longer had a romantic relationship, Dane continued to care for her throughout her illness. (Lester Cohen/Getty Images for GLAAD)
The “Euphoria” actress passed away on Feb. 19 after losing her battle with ALS.
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He married Rebecca Gayheart in 2004. They separated in 2017, but the divorce case was withdrawn in April 2025. Just weeks later, the actor announced that he had been diagnosed with ALS.
