By BRIAN MARKS, US ASSISTANT SHOWBUSINESS EDITOR and SONIA HORON, US ASSISTANT SHOWBIZ EDITOR

Published: 06:43 GMT, 20 February 2026 | Updated: 06:52 GMT, 20 February 2026

Months before his death on Thursday at 53 amid a battle with ALS, Eric Dane made one of his final on-screen appearances as a character battling the same illness he struggled with.

In November, the Grey's Anatomy heartthrob appeared in a guest role on NBC's Brilliant Minds as a heroic firefighter battling ALS.

Dane — who first revealed his devastating diagnosis in April — played Matthew, a veteran firefighter with ALS who wrestles with how to reveal the diagnosis to his adult daughter and ex-wife.

Fans were left in 'tears' after the 'heartbreaking' episode aired, with many calling Dane's portrayal 'powerful' and 'touching.'

As they looked back on the emotional episode in the wake of Dane's death, fans also learned about some of his final on-screen roles, which will soon be released.

In his Brilliant Minds episode, Dane's character Matthew's breathing began to worsen, leading Dr. Oliver Wolf (Zachary Quinto) to suggest that he should lean on his support system.

Months before his death on Thursday at 53 amid a battle with ALS , Eric Dane made one of his final on-screen appearances as a character battling the same illness he struggled with; pictured on Briliant Minds with Zachary Quinto (L)

Dane — who first revealed his devastating diagnosis in April — played Matthew, a veteran firefighter with ALS who wrestles with how to reveal the diagnosis to his adult daughter and ex-wife