Eric Dane suddenly pulled out of ALS event weeks before his death

Eric Dane abruptly pulled out of an ALS event just weeks before he died at age 53. He was scheduled to attend the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care Gala to receive the Advocate of the Year award on Saturday, Jan. 24, but was not "well enough to attend" the event "due to the physical realities of ALS." A spokesperson for the ALS Network said the organization was "deeply grateful" for Dane’s "courage, advocacy and continued commitment to the ALS community" and promised to honor him at the event with "profound respect and support." Broadway actor Aaron Lazar, who also has ALS, accepted the award on Dane’s behalf.

The ALS Network had announced in September that Dane was receiving the Advocate of the Year award, crediting him with bringing "international attention to ALS" through his "leadership and compassion." Dane announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025 and spent the months that followed spreading awareness to help others.

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