Eric Dane’s Friend Explains The Actor’s Finances Amid GoFundMe Backlash

Eric Dane died due to ALS, and his friends have come out to create a GoFundMe to support his two daughters in the wake of his death.

Eric Dane sadly passed away following a short, but brave battle with ALS, and his friends have come out to create a GoFundMe to support his two daughters in the wake of his death.

However, the reaction to the fundraiser has been mostly negative, with many slamming its creation due to Dane’s long Hollywood career and high-profile TV work, including the upcoming third season of HBO’s “Euphoria.”

Friend Of Eric Dane Shares Insight Into His Finances Following GoFundMe Backlash

 

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A post shared by Mike McGuiness (@mcguins)

In a post on Instagram, Dane’s friend, Mike McGuiness, posted a series of photos of the two together in happier times alongside a lengthy caption in which he commented on the need for the GoFundMe.

“Covid and ALS did a number on his work life and he sadly couldn’t leave his family with the resources he had hoped,” McGuiness wrote. “A gofundme is being made and I will post it on my story for anyone able to help.”

Elsewhere in the caption, McGuiness shared Dane’s courage throughout his ALS journey.

“My friend of almost two decades just left us after a brutal battle with ALS,” he wrote. “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. Eric did.”

Dane’s GoFundMe Sparked Mostly Negative Reaction

A GoFundMe was created for Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart’s two daughters, Billie, 15, and Geraldine, 13, following his death on February 19.

The fundraiser, which to date has raised close to $190,000 of its $250,000 goal, stated the intent behind the money.

“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,” the fundraiser reads.

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

So far, the reaction to the GoFundMe has received a mostly negative reaction, as some believe that due to Dane’s Hollywood status asking to support his children feels tone deaf — which is a similar sentiment that some fans expressed regarding the GoFundMe created for late actor James Van Der Beek that has raised $2.5 million.

“Here we go again… if you absolutely must give away your money, donate directly to ALS research,” a Reddit user wrote regarding the GoFundMe for Dane. “His friends can “afford” to gift his daughters money. They don’t need his fans to do it,” another shared.

Some Redditors also pointed out Dane’s successful acting career, which netted him millions, specifically on “Grey’s Anatomy” and the upcoming third season of HBO’s “Euphoria.”

“This guy was on network TV for a decade raking in millions — what are we doing here?,” a Redditor commented.

“He literally filmed for euphoria when he was sick and it hasn't even aired yet... idk how much he makes off that show but it's pretty popular,” another user wrote. “And Grey's Anatomy? I feel for Rebecca and kids I really do but it's not like they lost a bunch of income.”

The GoFundMe For The Late James Van Der Beek Was Also Slammed After Details Of His Finances Were Revealed

Per Realtor.com, on January 9, 2026, James Van Der Beek and his wife, Kimberly, purchased a 36-acre ranch in Texas for $4.76 million.

When news of the multi-million-dollar purchase was revealed amid the creation of the GoFundMe for his wife and six children, many were outraged, as there was a belief that the property could be sold to financially support Van Der Beek’s family.

The fundraiser, which set an initial goal of $1.5 million, was intended to help cover medical bills and other living expenses for his wife and children.

“This is why these GoFundMe efforts are annoying,” one user wrote on Reddit. “It's usually gullible people giving celebrities with bad financial planning their hard-earned money.”

“They also have a $2.5 million home in Beverly Hills they’re collecting rent on,” another user wrote. “Healthcare in the US is bad, but come on people, don’t get grifted.”

“I don’t want to be rude, but couldn’t they sell the land and ranch and downsize if they needed money?,” a third Redditor shared. “I’m not saying their donations should be taken away, or they are not possibly struggling, but there are so many less fortunate people on gofundme who don’t even get a dime nor do they have a 5 million dollar property they can use as collateral.”

Eric Dane Died 10 Months After Announcing His ALS Diagnosis In April 2025

Dane’s family confirmed his death on February 19, via statement.

"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," the statement began. "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."

"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,” the statement continued.

“Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time,” the family shared.

Dane’s ‘Euphoria’ Family Expressed Their Condolences Following His Death

In April 2026, more than four years after the second season finale, HBO’s massive hit “Euphoria” returns, and Eric Dane’s controversial character, Cal Jacobs, is back for the third season.

Per Deadline, “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson shared his thoughts regarding Dane’s passing.

“I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric,” Levinson said. “Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing.”

HBO also released a statement about Dane’s death.

“We are deeply saddened by the news of Eric Dane’s passing,” the network said. “He was incredibly talented and HBO was fortunate to have worked with him on three seasons of ‘Euphoria.’ Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”