Fundraiser for Late Grey's Anatomy Star Eric Dane Exceeds £200,000 Target
A heartfelt fundraising campaign established to support the family of the late actor Eric Dane has successfully garnered more than $275,000, equivalent to over £200,000. 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 at the age of 53 after a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease.
Hollywood Community Rallies with Significant Donations
The GoFundMe initiative was launched by close friends of Dane and his family with an ambitious goal of raising $500,000, approximately £370,000, to provide financial assistance for his two teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia. In a remarkable display of solidarity, prominent figures from the entertainment industry have contributed substantial amounts. Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and his wife Ashley are reported to have donated an impressive $27,000, which translates to around £20,000. Additionally, Brad Falchuck, the co-creator of Glee and husband of actress Gwyneth Paltrow, contributed $10,000, about £7,400, to the cause.
The fundraiser's description emphasizes that the funds are intended to support "his girls and their future needs," highlighting Dane's deep devotion to his daughters, who were described as "the centre of his world." Following his diagnosis last year, Dane became an outspoken advocate for the ALS community, leveraging his public platform to raise awareness and support for others affected by the progressive neurodegenerative condition.
Tributes Pour In from Co-Stars and Colleagues
Eric Dane's passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and admiration from across Hollywood. His representatives confirmed the sad news on Friday, noting that he was surrounded by his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, their daughters, and close friends at the time of his death. Numerous celebrities have paid tribute, including his Grey's Anatomy co-star Patrick Dempsey, as well as Ashton Kutcher, Alyssa Milano, John Stamos, Nina Dobrev, Maria Shriver, and showrunner Shonda Rhimes.
Dane's career spanned several notable roles beyond Grey's Anatomy, where he appeared from 2006 to 2012, with a guest return in 2021. He recently gained acclaim for his portrayal of the complex antagonist Cal Jacobs in the HBO hit series Euphoria, starring alongside Jacob Elordi and Zendaya. His filmography also includes appearances in Charmed, Burlesque, Marley & Me, and Valentine's Day, and he played the lead role of Tom Chandler in the post-apocalyptic action series The Last Ship from 2014 to 2018.
Personal Life and Legacy Remembered
Eric Dane married Rebecca Gayheart in 2004, and the couple separated in September 2017, with Gayheart filing for divorce in 2018 before later seeking to dismiss the petition. In a December essay for New York magazine's The Cut, Gayheart reflected on their relationship, describing it as "very complicated" and noting that their love had evolved into a "familial love" rather than a romantic one. She also shared the GoFundMe campaign on her Instagram stories, expressing gratitude with a simple caption: "Thank-you everyone."
Further tributes have emerged from friends and colleagues, including model and photographer Janell Shirtcliff, who shared cherished memories of Dane in a series of Instagram posts on Saturday. The fundraising page commemorates Dane's unwavering commitment to advocacy, stating, "Even as his own health declined, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease."
As the campaign continues to attract donations, it stands as a testament to Eric Dane's enduring impact both on-screen and in his philanthropic efforts, ensuring his legacy of compassion and resilience lives on through the support for his beloved family.
