Rebecca Gayheart/Instagram
Eric Danewas known to the public as one of the most famous TV doctors in small screen history, but his biggest source of pride was his two daughters,Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine Dane.
The actor married wifeRebecca Gayhearton Oct. 29, 2004, 10 months after they first met. The two welcomed Billie Beatrice on March 3, 2010, and rounded out their family with the arrival of Georgia Geraldine on Dec. 28, 2011.
Though he was private about his personal life, the actor was proud to be a father, and noted that his daughters were a big motivation for him as he began treatment after his ALS diagnosis in 2025.
"I have two daughters at home. I want to see them, you know, graduate college, and get married and maybe have grandkids," he said In aTikTokvideo shared by U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell of California. "You know, I want to be there for all that. So I'm going to fight to the last breath on this one."
In 2018,Dane separated from Gayheart, though both parties vowed to "continue our friendship and work as a team to co-parent our two beautiful girls as they are the most important thing in the world to us." Though they didn't reconcile, they traveled together as a family, were supportive of one another, and when Dane was diagnosed with ALS in 2025, Gayheartrequested to dismiss the divorcefrom Dane and both parties signed off on the docs. Shesupported him until his deathon Feb. 19.
As fans and friendscommemorate his legacy, look back at Eric Dane's family photos through the years.
Three of a Kind
Dane and Gayheart posed with baby Billie while at the grand opening of a Kiehl's store in June 2011.
Eric explained toHarry Connick Jr.in 2016 how the couple picked her name: "[Billie's] named after my father ... Whether it was a boy or a girl, the firstborn was gonna be a Billie."
Kisses for Dad
Araya Doheny/WireImage
Billie was pictured sneaking in a kiss for her doting dad as he held another toddler, in this candid photo from the event.
Just Us Three
Amanda Edwards/WireImage
The trio looked happy as they attended the 13th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in 2014.
All Aboard
Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic
Several years after welcoming Georgia, the family stepped out for a day at the Baby2Baby Mother's Day garden party in 2013.
"Rebecca Gayheart and husband Eric Dane welcomed Georgia Geraldine Dane on Dec. 28, just in time for the New Year!" the actress' rep told PEOPLE following their second daughter's birth. "Both mom and baby girl are happy and healthy, Billie is thrilled to be a big sister, and dad is getting ready to live in a house full of ladies!"
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Happiest Quartet on Earth
Michael Loccisano/Getty
Eric and Rebecca took their girls for a day of fun with Mickey Mouse and the gang at Disney Live! Mickey's Music Festival in 2013.
Here Together
JB Lacroix/WireImage
Georgia joined the family for the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in 2015, rocking a silver dress that matched her dad's suit, while big sister Billie coordinated with mom."I never had a family, and now I do," Dane previously told PEOPLE of his daughters. "I know I'm a very lucky guy."
Family of Four
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
Dane and his family were ready for the dance floor at the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in 2017.
Dad Duties
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Georgia may not have been ready for her close-up at the same event in 2016, but Billie and Eric posed for the cameras at the family's favorite event in 2016.
A Family That Vacations Together
Rebecca Gayheart/Instagram
Gayheart shared this joyful picture of the family on vacation in France.
Family Man
Rebecca Gayheart Instagram
In an interview with Diane Sawyer about his ALS diagnosis, Dane reflected on how his illness would impact his family. "I'm angry because my father was taken from me when I was very young, and now there is a very good chance I'll be taken from my daughters when they're very young," he said.
Eric, the Girl Dad
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
For his last public appearance with his girls, the actor took Bille and Georgia to the L.A. premiere of his film,Bad Boys: Ride or Diein 2024.
Months before he died, Dane sat down for his last interview withFamous Last Words,and in it, he included some parting words for his daughters. He first encouraged them to "live now," admitting that, "for years, I would wander off mentally, lost in my head for long chunks of time, wallowing in worry and self-pity, shame and doubt."
He then urged them to "fall in love. Not necessarily with a person, although I do recommend that as well. But fall in love with something," before advising them to "choose your friends wisely," and making sure they show up for their chosen friends.
Finally, the actor told his girls never to give up, no matter the circumstances. "Fight with every ounce of your being and with dignity. When you face challenges, health or otherwise, fight," he said. "Never give up. Fight until your last breath. This disease is slowly taking my body, but it will never take my spirit."
Read the original article onPeople
