Friends of Eric Dane launch GoFundMe campaign in Los Angeles to support his teenage daughters as Hollywood figures rally after his ALS death

In the days following Eric Dane’s death, something unexpected began unfolding online.

A GoFundMe page created by close friends of the late actor quickly gained traction — and just as quickly, scrutiny.

What began with a $250,000 goal has now doubled to $500,000, as supporters rally around Dane’s family and defend the fundraiser against critics.

At the time of writing, donations have climbed to roughly $244,000.

The page was launched to help secure the future of his two teenage daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13 — the two people friends say meant everything to him.

A Loss That Came Too Soon

Dane’s passing was confirmed by his loved ones in a statement to People on Thursday.

The news came less than a year after he publicly revealed he had been diagnosed with ALS — amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease.

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Over time, patients lose muscle control, leading to paralysis. There is still no cure.

While treatments can slow progression and improve quality of life, the condition is widely regarded as one of the most devastating neurological illnesses.

Friends say his decline happened far faster than anyone expected.

Remembering Eric Dane’s Career and Legacy

For millions of viewers, Eric Dane will forever be Dr. Mark Sloan — McSteamy — from Grey’s Anatomy.

He first appeared on the hit series in 2006, and heartbreakingly, his death came exactly 20 years after his debut episode aired on February 19, 2006.

In more recent years, he portrayed Cal Jacobs on Euphoria.

The show’s third season is scheduled to premiere April 12, and Dane had already filmed scenes prior to his passing.

Beyond those roles, Dane built a steady career across film and television — often playing complex, flawed characters with an edge.

But those closest to him say his favorite role, without question, was being a father.

Hollywood Steps In

Several well-known names have quietly contributed to the fundraiser.

Sam Levinson, the creator of Euphoria, made the largest single donation so far at $27,000.

Brad Falchuk, television writer and producer married to Gwyneth Paltrow, added $10,000.

The GoFundMe message describes Dane as someone who fought his illness with dignity while remaining committed to ALS advocacy.

Friends noted that as the disease progressed more aggressively than expected, he was unable to leave behind the financial security he had hoped for.

One of his closest friends, Mike McGuiness, openly addressed critics questioning the fundraiser.

In an emotional Instagram tribute, he explained that both COVID disruptions and ALS significantly affected Dane’s ability to work in recent years.

“Love the ones you’ve got,” he wrote — a reminder that resonated deeply with fans.

A Final Trip and a Lesson in Presence

After his diagnosis, Dane traveled with friends to Tokyo, where they attended an Oasis concert.

McGuiness later shared that ALS had already affected his hands to the point where he couldn’t comfortably use his phone.

“He couldn’t fix the past and the future was too hard to think about,” his friend wrote.

“So he was forced to be in the moment.”

There’s something quietly profound about that.

In a world glued to screens, the disease that stole his mobility also stripped away distractions — leaving only presence.

His Last Words to His Daughters

Before his passing, Dane secretly recorded a documentary for Netflix titled Famous Last Words: Eric Dane.

The nearly hour-long film was intended for posthumous release.

In it, he delivers a message directly to Billie and Georgia.

“I tried. I stumbled sometimes, but I tried,” he tells them.

He shares four lessons from his battle with ALS:

Live in the present.
Fall in love — not just with people, but with passions.
Choose your friends wisely.
And fight — with dignity — until your last breath.

“This disease is slowly taking my body,” he says in the documentary, “but it will never take my spirit.”

He ends with a simple, devastating goodbye: “You are my heart.

You are my everything. Good night. I love you.”

Rebecca Gayheart and the Family He Leaves Behind

Dane married actress Rebecca Gayheart in 2004.

The couple separated after she filed for divorce in 2018, but reports indicate she dismissed the petition during his health battle in 2025.

Though both were involved in separate relationships over the years, they remained legally married until his death.

Gayheart responded to the outpouring of support with a brief but heartfelt message on Instagram: “Thank you to everyone.”

She has since shared throwback photos spanning their years together.

Tributes From Co-Stars and Friends

Messages from former colleagues have flooded social media.

Kate Walsh and Patrick Dempsey, both Grey’s Anatomy alumni, publicly honored their late friend.

Even Kimberly Van Der Beek, widow of James Van Der Beek, shared a touching message recalling Christmas parties and shared laughter.

The grief has rippled far beyond Hollywood.

Why the Fundraiser Matters

There’s often an assumption that actors are financially untouchable.

But careers in entertainment can be unpredictable. Long illnesses can quickly drain savings.

Insurance battles, treatment costs, and limited work opportunities can change financial realities overnight.

ALS in particular can require extensive caregiving, home modifications, and medical equipment.

According to advocacy groups, annual costs for ALS care can run into six figures.

Friends say the fundraiser isn’t about charity — it’s about stability for two young girls navigating unimaginable loss.

What’s Next?

The fundraiser remains active, with organizers hoping to reach the newly set $500,000 goal.

As Euphoria’s third season approaches its April premiere, many expect renewed tributes when Dane appears onscreen.

Meanwhile, ALS advocacy groups often see spikes in donations and awareness following high-profile cases.

Dane’s openness about his diagnosis — and the documentary he left behind — may further spotlight research efforts aimed at finding treatments and, one day, a cure.

For his daughters, though, the focus is far more personal: remembering a father who wanted them to live fully and fight bravely.

Summary

A GoFundMe established by friends of late actor Eric Dane has doubled its goal to $500,000 amid both support and criticism.

The Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria star died less than a year after revealing his ALS diagnosis.

Survived by wife Rebecca Gayheart and daughters Billie and Georgia, Dane’s friends say the fundraiser aims to secure the girls’ future after his illness progressed rapidly.

Hollywood figures including Sam Levinson and Brad Falchuk have donated, while tributes continue pouring in.

Dane also left behind a posthumously released Netflix documentary featuring heartfelt final messages to his daughters.