Fundraiser for Family of Late Grey's Anatomy Star Eric Dane Exceeds £200,000
A fundraising campaign established to support the family of the late actor Eric Dane has successfully raised more than $275,000 (£200,000) following his tragic death at the age of 53. The beloved star, renowned for his iconic role as Dr. Mark 'McSteamy' Sloan on the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy, passed away on Thursday after a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Hollywood Figures Rally with Significant Donations
Notable contributions have poured in from prominent figures within the entertainment industry. Sam Levinson, the creator of the HBO series Euphoria in which Dane also starred, along with his wife Ashley, appears to have donated a substantial $27,000 (£20,000) via the GoFundMe platform. Additionally, Brad Falchuck, co-creator of Glee and husband to Gwyneth Paltrow, contributed $10,000 (£7,418) to the cause.
The fundraiser was initiated by close friends of Dane and his family with an ambitious goal of securing $500,000 (£370,000) to provide for his two teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia, whom the campaign describes as "the centre of his world." The page emphasizes support for "his girls and their future needs," highlighting Dane's advocacy work for the ALS community following his diagnosis last year.
Tributes Pour In from Co-Stars and Colleagues
Dane's passing was officially confirmed on Friday by his representatives, who noted he was surrounded by his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, their daughters, and close friends at the time of his death. An outpouring of tributes has emerged from Hollywood, including messages from former Grey's Anatomy co-star Patrick Dempsey, actors Ashton Kutcher and Alyssa Milano, and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson.
Gayheart, who married Dane in 2004 and separated in 2017, shared the GoFundMe link on her Instagram stories with a caption expressing gratitude: "Thank-you everyone." In a December essay for New York magazine's The Cut, she reflected on their complex relationship, stating, "Our love may not be romantic, but it's a familial love."
Remembering a Versatile Acting Career
Eric Dane's career spanned several notable roles beyond his memorable tenure on Grey's Anatomy from 2006 to 2012, with a guest return in 2021. He recently gained acclaim for his portrayal of the conflicted antagonist Cal Jacobs in the HBO hit drama Euphoria, starring alongside Jacob Elordi and Zendaya. His filmography includes appearances in Charmed, Burlesque, Marley & Me, and Valentine's Day, and he led the post-apocalyptic action series The Last Ship as Tom Chandler from 2014 to 2018.
The fundraising page commemorates Dane's dedication to raising awareness for ALS, noting, "Even as his own health declined, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease." As donations continue to accumulate, the campaign stands as a testament to the impact of his life and legacy both on and off the screen.
