Eric Dane’s devastating financial battle before ALS death revealed… amid backlash over $500,000 GoFundMe
New light has been shed on the financial difficulties faced by Eric Dane as a result of his battle with ALS – amid reactions to a GoFundMe launched in support of his daughters.
The Grey’s Anatomy star’s death at the age of 53 was confirmed by her loved ones in a statement to People on Thursday, less than a year after she announced her amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis.
Following Dane’s death, a GoFundMe was created for his two daughters, and now a source close to the late actor’s family has explained why they are continuing with the fundraiser.
TMZ News that Dane was facing significant medical bills during his health scare prompted his friends to organize a fundraiser for their daughter’s well-being.
The Daily Mail has contacted a representative for Dane for comment but has yet to receive a response.
Dane is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two young daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13.
Eric Dane was reportedly facing huge medical bills as he tried to overcome his battle with ALS before his death at age 53; picture taken in June 2025
Although Dane split from Gayheart in 2017, they maintained close ties while raising daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13, and never finalized the divorce; They canceled it entirely right before Dane revealed he had ALS.
Gayheart posted several photos over the weekend paying tribute to Dane and his girlfriend Janell Shirtcliff.
Friends organized a GoFundMe shortly after her death on Friday to support their daughter.
The initial goal was set at $250,000 but has since doubled. At the time of this publication, donations reached approximately $418,965.
A GoFundMe page set up by close friends of the late actor Eric Dane has increased its goal to $500,000 as some fiercely defend the fundraiser.
Euphoria creator Sam Levinson offered a whopping $27,000 donation following Dane’s death.
The late star played the character Cal Jacobs in the HBO Max series. Before his tragic death, Dane filmed scenes for the show’s third season, which will premiere on April 12. Television writer and producer Brad Falchuk, who is married to Gwyneth Paltrow, donated $10,000.
Friends who opened the GoFundMe page also wrote a message under the photo of Dane with his two daughters.
‘It is with deep sadness that we share the loss of Eric Dane, after a difficult battle with ALS, leaving behind his devoted wife, Rebecca, and his two teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.’
They reflected on his dedication and advocacy to the ALS community, adding: “He was deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease.”
Dane’s death at the age of 53 was announced last week, and a GoFundMe was started shortly after in support of his daughters.
Dane is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and two young daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13.
‘As his disease progresses much faster than anyone could have imagined, Eric’s friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support their daughter and her future needs.’
In conclusion, the message read: ‘Any contribution of any size will help provide stability for Eric’s wonderful daughters during this incredibly difficult time and into the future. Thank you.’
But the fundraiser faced backlash from those skeptical of the A-lister, who needs financial help.
“This guy is an actor who I’m sure has money,” someone told X.
‘I am truly sorry to hear of the passing of James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane. So what does GoFundMe have for families/children? They were both multimillionaires. Don’t tell me neither of them have life insurance. We “non-elites” are figuring out how to proceed. They should be too,’ one wrote.
Over the weekend, a close friend of Dane defended the fundraiser.
Mike McGuiness took to Instagram to pay tribute to the actor and talked about their trip before his death.
At one point he wrote: ‘Covid and ALS have dealt a huge blow to his business life and unfortunately he has not been able to leave his family with the resources he had hoped for.
‘A gofundme is being made and I will post it on my story for anyone who can help. ‘Love what you have.’
A friend has since defended a GoFundMe started in support of Dane’s daughters
McGuinness also wrote emotionally that Dane’s death ‘broke me’ and described ALS as ‘a hopeless disease that can happen to a human being’. But the late star handled the illness with both ‘grace’ and ‘dignity’.
After his diagnosis, Dane went to Tokyo with McGuinness and other friends and attended an Oasis concert.
‘Eric said he couldn’t fix the past and it was too difficult to think about the future, so he was forced to stay in the moment. Moreover, he could not talk on the phone because his hands did not work. So it was right now.’
McGuinness added that she ‘learned more about my friend that week than 1,000 of our other hangouts combined.’
Gayheart also took to Instagram stories to respond to the overwhelming support from GoFundMe, writing: ‘Thank you everyone.’
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects the nervous system, including the spinal cord and brain. Muscles can become paralyzed and there is currently no cure for the disease.
