What Is ALS? Eric Dane's Death Highlights Symptoms and Facts About the Fatal Disease

Eric Dane, the 53-year-old actor known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, died on February 19, 2026, less than a year after publicly sharing his ALS diagnosis. Commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is ultimately fatal and usually develops for unknown reasons. Reports suggest less than 30,000 people in the U.S. have ALS, with about 5,000 people being diagnosed each year. It's most common in adults ages 40 and up, with men being diagnosed more than women.