Eric Dane Gofundme Draws Donors and Criticism After Actor’s Death
Friends of the late actor set up an eric dane gofundme to help support his two daughters after his death, a campaign that has drawn sizable donations and public criticism over crowdfunding for a well‑known performer.
Mike McGuiness explains why he launched the fundraiser
Mike McGuiness, a friend of Eric Dane, said he started the GoFundMe and shared heartfelt memories from a recent trip they took to Toyko before Dane’s death. McGuiness wrote that “Covid and ALS did a number on his work life and he sadly couldn’t leave his family with the resources he had hoped. ”
In another post McGuiness wrote, “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. Eric did. Candidly, I didn’t know he had it in him. ” He added, “A GoFundMe is being made and I will post it on my story for anyone able to help. Love the ones you’ve got. ”
Campaign totals, top donors and stated purpose
The campaign sought to raise $250, 000 and had surpassed $187K as of Saturday morning. Donors named in connection with the fundraiser include Sam Levinson, Alyssa Milano and Randall Emmett. The Euphoria creator and his wife, Ashley Levinson, were listed as top donors, contributing $27, 000.
The campaign notes that funds will be used “to support his girls and their future needs. ” Organizers added, “Any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Eric’s wonderful daughters. Thank you. ”
Family announcements, roles and other coverage
Dane was known for his roles on Euphoria and Grey’s Anatomy. His family announced that he died on Thursday, after he revealed his ALS diagnosis last April. He is survived by his actress wife Rebecca Gayheart and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia.
Separate coverage in the provided context notes that Rebecca Gayheart shared candid family throwback photos of Eric Dane and their two daughters after his death. An exclusive interview headlined as Eric Dane leaving behind his last words also appears in the provided materials; the content of that interview is unclear in the provided context.
Public reaction and comments on actors’ finances
Some responses to the fundraiser have been critical, while other commenters defended the effort and explained industry realities. One commenter wrote that they “mostly drive a van for cast and crew, ” overhear many conversations, and that actors “do NOT make that much $” while sometimes being stiffed by production companies and facing delayed wages.
That commenter argued people misunderstand celebrity earnings, saying movie roles put actors in “the $100k zone” and they “take home half of that, ” and that TV work can pay well but long gaps without pay can quickly deplete savings. The same comment questioned why Americans are surprised when a famous person dies with large medical debt and contrasted that with nations that have national healthcare “from cradle to grave. ” Another voice urged readers to ignore those who are habitually angry about charity campaigns.
What’s next
The fundraiser remains active with a stated goal of $250, 000. McGuiness said he would post the GoFundMe on his story for anyone able to help, and organizers continue to solicit contributions to support Dane’s daughters and their future needs.
