By ANNA SMITH
Eric Dane, the well-known actor famous for his roles on “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria” and later became an advocate for ALS awareness, passed away on Thursday at the age of 53.
Dane’s representatives announced that he succumbed to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, less than a year after revealing his diagnosis.
“He spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his loving wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” a statement from his family read. “Throughout his battle with ALS, Eric became a dedicated advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same struggle. He will be deeply missed and always remembered with love. Eric cherished his fans and was forever grateful for the overwhelming love and support he received.”
Dane garnered a devoted fan base when he landed the role of Dr. Mark Sloan, also known as McSteamy, on the ABC medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy” in the mid-2000s. He portrayed the character from 2006 to 2012 and reprised the role in 2021.
Despite his character’s tragic end in a plane crash on the show, Dane’s portrayal left a lasting impact as Seattle Grace Hospital was renamed Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
In 2019, he transitioned from the charming McSteamy to the troubled Cal Jacobs in HBO’s provocative series “Euphoria,” a role he continued until his passing.
Dane also starred as Tom Chandler, the captain of a U.S. Navy destroyer navigating a post-apocalyptic world, in the TNT drama “The Last Ship.” Production was halted in 2017 as Dane battled depression.
In April 2025, Dane revealed his ALS diagnosis, a progressive disease that affects nerve cells controlling muscles throughout the body.
ALS gradually deteriorates the nerve cells and connections necessary for movement, speech, and breathing, with most patients passing away within three to five years of diagnosis.
Dane became a vocal advocate for ALS awareness, speaking at a news conference in Washington about health insurance prior authorization. In June 2025, he stated, “Some of you may recognize me from TV shows like ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ where I play a doctor. But today, I am here to speak briefly as a patient battling ALS.” In September of the same year, Dane was honored as the ALS Network’s advocate of the year for his dedication to raising awareness and support for ALS patients.
-
FILE – Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart arrive at the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium, Sept. 16, 2007, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File)
1 of 3
FILE – Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart arrive at the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium, Sept. 16, 2007, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File)
Dane was born on November 9, 1972, and raised in Northern California. His father, a Navy veteran and architect, passed away from a gunshot wound when Dane was 7. After high school, he relocated to Los Angeles to pursue acting, landing guest roles on various TV shows before gaining recognition.
A memoir by Dane is set to be published in late 2026. Titled “Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments,” the book will be released by Maria Shriver’s The Open Field, a Penguin Random House imprint. Dane’s memoir will delve into significant moments in his life, including his time on “Grey’s Anatomy,” the birth of his daughters, and his ALS diagnosis.
“I aim to capture the moments that defined me — the good days, the tough ones, the ones I never took for granted — so that others who read it will remember the essence of living with heart,” Dane expressed in a statement about his upcoming book. “If my story can help someone find meaning in their own journey, then it’s a story worth sharing.”
Dane is survived by his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two teenage daughters, Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine. Despite their separation in 2017, the couple never finalized their divorce, maintaining a familial bond that transcends romantic love.
“Our relationship is complex, but rooted in familial love,” Gayheart shared in an essay, reflecting on Dane’s ALS diagnosis. “I will always strive to support him and do right by him. And I know he would do the same for me. Whatever I can do to ease his journey, I am committed to doing so.”
