Who is Rebecca Gayheart? 'Grey's Anatomy' star Eric Dane’s wife; all about her personal life, career and net worth

Eric Dane wife, Rebecca Gayheart: Eric Dane, the actor best known for his roles on “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria” and who later in life became an advocate for ALS awareness, passed away on Thursday (February 19, 2026). He was 53.

Dane representatives revealed that the actor died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known also as Lou Gehrig’s disease, less than a year after he announced his diagnosis, according to news agency AP. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and two daughters, Billie Beatrice Dane and Georgia Dane.

Who is Rebecca Gayheart? Career and Net Worth

Born on August 12, 1971, in Hazard, Kentucky, USA, Rebecca Gayheart was an actress and director known for Urban Legend (1998), Jawbreaker (1999), and Nothing to Lose (1997). She has been married to Eric Dane since October 29, 2004. They have two children.

The actress has a net worth of $5 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Gayheart grabbed eyeballs in the early 1990s as "The Noxzema Girl" after appearing in a series of popular commercials for the skincare brand. According to Celebrity Net Worth, she transitioned to television with a recurring role on the soap opera "Loving" before landing a notable part as Toni Marchette on "Beverly Hills, 90210" in 1995.

Her film career includes roles in horror movies like "Scream 2" (1997), "Urban Legend" (1998), and "Urban Legends: Final Cut" (2000). She also appeared in comedies such as "Jawbreaker" (1999) and "Nothing to Lose" (1997).

As far as her television career is concerned, Gayheart had roles in shows including "Earth 2," "Wasteland," and "Dead Like Me." She also appeared in "Nip/Tuck" and had a recurring role on "Ugly Betty," according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Gayheart and Dane married in 2004

Gayheart and Dane married in 2004 and separated in September 2017. Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018 but later filed to dismiss the petition. “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,” said a statement, as quoted by AP. The family requested privacy during this time.

“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. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.”

In April 2025, Dane announced he had been diagnosed with ALS, a progressive disease that attacks nerve cells controlling muscles throughout the body. ALS gradually destroys the nerve cells and connections needed to walk, talk, speak, and breathe. Most patients die within three to five years of a diagnosis.

Dane became advocate for ALS awareness

Dane became an advocate for ALS awareness. According to the US-based neurology group First Choice Neurology, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately, respiratory failure.

Speaking at a news conference in Washington on health insurance prior authorization. “Some of you may know me from TV shows, such as 'Grey's Anatomy,' in which I play a doctor. But I am here today to speak briefly as a patient battling ALS," he said in June 2025, as quoted by AP.

In September 2025 of that year, the ALS Network named Dane the recipient of their Advocate of the Year award, recognizing his commitment to raising awareness and support for people living with ALS.

Dane was born on November 9, 1972, and raised in Northern California. His father, a Navy man, died of a gunshot wound when he was 7. After high school, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, landing guest roles on shows like “Saved by the Bell,” “Married...With Children,” "Charmed," and “X-Men: The Last Stand,” and one season of the short-lived medical drama “Gideon’s Crossing.”