Eric Dane not only battled ALS, but also advocated for others fighting the disease before his death.
Dane’s work as an ALS ambassador with the organization I AM ALS is featured in the upcoming documentary Ring Every Bell, which will be screened in Washington D.C. next month. The project follows Dane as he goes to D.C. to advocate for the reauthorization of the ACT for ALS bill. The legislation, which was passed in 2021 by President Joe Biden, establishes grant programs for neurodegenerative diseases. It is set to expire on September 30, 2026.
In a clip from the upcoming short film, Dane sits down with Senator Lisa Murkowski and Representative Morgan Griffith to advocate for an extension of the bill ahead of its looming expiration date.
“We have a bill that needs to get to the floor for reauthorization,” Dane says in a preview from the doc. “And then it needs to get fully funded because if it doesn’t then people who are dependent on some of these investigational therapies no longer have access to them.”
Dane is joined by fellow ALS patient and advocate Dan Tate, Jr. in the meeting, who also shares his positive experience using investigational therapies.
“Before I went on that drug, I used to use a speaker and amplifier for my voice,” Tate explains. “Since I started that drug, I no longer use it.”
Dane adds that while he has been lucky to receive top-of-the-line care, he wants all ALS patients to have the same access.
“I’m very fortunate to get great medical care and access to all of these investigational therapies, etc., which is why it’s so important to me that this bill gets pushed through because it gives access to people who wouldn’t normally have access,” he says.
According to Ring Every Bell’s press release, Dane traveled to Capitol Hill “multiple times” in 2025 to support the renewal of ACT For ALS. The actor also partnered with the nonprofit I AM ALS for the Push for Progress initiative.
Last year, Dane revealed that he was diagnosed with ALS, which stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The disease affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and has no cure.
Eric Dane offered insight into the progression of his ALS diagnosis before his death at age 53. Dane revealed his health battle in April 2025. ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and has no cure. “I didn’t really think anything of […]
“I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter,” he said in an April 2025 statement to People. “I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to [the] set of Euphoria next week. I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
The Grey’s Anatomy alum, who shares daughters Billie and Georgia with Rebecca Gayheart, died earlier this year following his battle. He was 53.
“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” read a February statement from Dane’s family. “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always.”
