Jessica Capshaw's Emotional Tribute to Eric Dane After ALS Battle

Jessica Capshaw has shared an emotional tribute to her late 'Grey's Anatomy' co-star Eric Dane, who passed away at age 53 after a 10-month battle with ALS. She reflected on their five seasons working together, describing their on-screen dynamic filled with banter, laughs, and deep emotional truth. Capshaw remembered Dane for the "unique softness" beneath his confident charm and highlighted his commitment to raising awareness for ALS. She extended her prayers to his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their children, as other colleagues from the show also paid their respects.

Key Points: Jessica Capshaw Remembers Eric Dane in Heartfelt Tribute

  • Eric Dane died at 53 after 10-month ALS battle
  • Jessica Capshaw shared heartfelt Instagram tribute
  • She recalled their on-screen dynamic on 'Grey's Anatomy'
  • Dane was committed to raising ALS awareness
  • Co-stars and creator Shonda Rhimes also paid respects
2 min read

"Beneath that confident charm lived a unique softness...": Jessica Capshaw remembers Eric Dane in emotional tribute

Jessica Capshaw honors late 'Grey's Anatomy' co-star Eric Dane, recalling his softness and his battle with ALS. Read her emotional Instagram message.

"Beneath his confident charm was a unique softness and a fierce love for his people. - Jessica Capshaw"

Washington, February 21

The entertainment world is grieving the loss of actor Eric Dane, and his former 'Grey's Anatomy' co-star Jessica Capshaw has shared a heartfelt tribute following news of his passing.

Dane, best known for his iconic roles in 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Euphoria', died on February 19, 2026, at the age of 53.

He passed away after a rapid 10-month battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The actor had publicly announced his diagnosis in April 2025.

Taking to Instagram, Capshaw reflected on the five seasons they spent working together on 'Grey's Anatomy,' where they portrayed Arizona Robbins and Mark Sloan.

She described their on-screen dynamic as one filled with "witty banter, hard truths, big laughs (and cries)," underscoring the emotional depth of their characters' bond.

In her message, Capshaw remembered Dane as more than his charismatic screen presence.

Beneath his "confident charm," she wrote, was a "unique softness and a fierce love for his people."

She also highlighted his commitment to raising awareness about ALS, encouraging followers to support Target ALS in his memory and continue his mission to find a cure for the disease.

Capshaw extended her "heart and prayers" to Dane's wife, Rebecca Gayheart, who served as his primary caregiver during his final months, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia.

Other members of the 'Grey's Anatomy' family, including Kate Walsh, Kim Raver, and creator Shonda Rhimes, also paid tribute, celebrating Dane's "magnetic" talent and describing him as an "old soul."

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Mark Sloan was one of my favourite characters on Grey's! "McSteamy" had that charm. It's a shock to hear he's gone. 53 is no age at all. Makes you realise how fragile life is, yaar. Rest in peace.
A
Aditya G
While the tribute is touching, the article feels a bit repetitive of other Hollywood obituaries. It would have been more meaningful to include details about his advocacy work or how he coped with the diagnosis, rather than just quotes from co-stars. Just a thought.
S
Sarah B
Jessica's words are so beautiful. "A unique softness beneath the confident charm" – that's a perfect way to remember someone. It's a reminder to be kind, because you never know what battles people are fighting privately. Sending love to his two daughters.
K
Karthik V
Terrible news. Saw him first in 'Grey's' and then in 'Euphoria'. He was a fantastic actor. 10-month battle sounds incredibly fast and brutal. More awareness and funding for ALS research is desperately needed, not just in the West but globally.
M
Meera T
Om Shanti. His poor family. To publicly share your diagnosis and use your platform to raise awareness right till the end shows real character. May his soul find peace and his family find the strength to bear this immense loss.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50