Friend of Eric Dane speaks out as GoFundMe for actor's daughters sparks huge controversy

Eric Dane's friend has shared a heartfelt post about the late actor, following controversy over a GoFundMe page set up in the wake of his death.

Dane died aged 53 on February 19 following a brief battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Dane was diagnosed with the degenerative condition, which affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, back in April 2025.

Ever since, he has been raising awareness of the disease, sharing his own experience and the symptoms he first noticed.

When news broke about Dane's death last week, tributes from across Hollywood came flooding in.

A GoFundMe page was also set up to support Dane's two daughters, Billie and Georgia, however, it's been met with some controversy.

Some have expressed confusion over the need for the fundraiser, due to the actor's Hollywood status.

Following the fundraiser going live, Dane's friend, Mike McGuiness, has shared a post online, providing more details regarding the motivation behind the campaign.

"My friend of almost two decades just left us after a brutal battle with ALS. I’m the positive spin guy and can come up with something hopeful in most any situation. This one broke me. I had nothing to say, it’s about as hopeless an affliction one could get. I truly don’t know if I could muster grace or dignity in that spot," he explained.

"... Covid and ALS did a number on his work life and he sadly couldn’t leave his family with the resources he had hoped. A gofundme is being made and I will post it on my story for anyone able to help. Love the ones you’ve got."

The fundraiser has now surpassed $277,000, boosted by a significant contribution from Euphoria director Sam Levinson and his wife Ashley, whose $27,000 donation currently stands as the campaign’s top contribution.

According to the fundraiser’s description, those behind the campaign wanted to create something that honoured Dane’s legacy while offering practical help for the future.

It notes that he became a passionate spokesperson for the ALS community and remained committed to helping others facing the same disease, even as his own condition progressed.

The GoFundMe welcomes any kind of donation, saying: "As his illness progressed far more quickly than anyone could have imagined, Eric's friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support his girls and their future needs.

"Any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Eric’s wonderful daughters."