ALS in spotlight after actor Eric Dane's death at 53 Actor Eric Dane, known for 'Grey's Anatomy,' died at 53 after battling ALS. Fox News' Dr. Marc Siegel details the disease's symptoms, rapid progression, ongoing research efforts and environmental factors. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! Eric Dane’s death has sparked conversations about the speed and severity of ALS. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease , the progressive illness — officially called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis — is