Eric Dane, the renowned actor famed for his roles in "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria," passed away on Thursday at the age of 53. He died due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, less than a year after announcing his diagnosis.
A statement from his representatives revealed that Dane spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his supportive wife, and his two cherished daughters, Billie and Georgia. The family requested privacy during this difficult time, expressing that throughout his battle with ALS, Dane became a fervent advocate for awareness and research, dedicated to helping others who face similar challenges. His fans, he said, were important to him, and he appreciated the overwhelming love and support he received.
Dane rose to prominence in the mid-2000s when he was cast as Dr. Mark Sloan, affectionately known as McSteamy, on the ABC medical drama "Grey's Anatomy." He portrayed this iconic character from 2006 until 2012, returning to the role in 2021. Although Dr. Sloan met a tragic end in the series, his character's legacy continued as Seattle Grace Hospital was renamed Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
In a stark contrast to his charming role on "Grey's Anatomy," Dane portrayed the troubled Cal Jacobs in HBO's provocative drama "Euphoria," a role he continued until his passing in 2025. Furthermore, he starred as Tom Chandler, the captain of a U.S. Navy destroyer navigating a post-apocalyptic world in the TNT series "The Last Ship." Filming for the latter was temporarily halted in 2017 as Dane faced personal struggles, including battling depression.
Dane publicly shared his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, revealing the debilitating nature of the disease that progressively damages nerve cells controlling muscle function. Patients diagnosed with ALS typically have a life expectancy of three to five years. As he grappled with his condition, he became a vocal advocate for ALS awareness, speaking out at a news conference in Washington regarding health insurance challenges. In June 2025, he stated, "Some of you may know me from TV shows, such as 'Grey's Anatomy,' which I play a doctor. But I am here today to speak briefly as a patient battling ALS." His advocacy was recognized later that year when he received the ALS Network's Advocate of the Year award for his commitment to raising awareness and supporting others living with the disease.
Born on November 9, 1972, and raised in Northern California, Dane's life was marked by tragedy early on; his father, a Navy veteran and architect, passed away due to a gunshot wound when Dane was just seven years old. After high school, he ventured to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career, landing various guest roles on shows like "Saved by the Bell," "Married… with Children," "Charmed," and "X-Men: The Last Stand," alongside a season in the short-lived medical drama "Gideon's Crossing."
In late 2026, a memoir by Dane titled "Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments" is set to be published, revealing pivotal moments throughout his life—from his debut on "Grey's Anatomy" to becoming a father and confronting his ALS diagnosis. Dane expressed his desire to "capture the moments that shaped me—the beautiful days, the hard ones, the ones I never took for granted—so that if nothing else, people who read it will remember what it means to live with heart." He emphasized that if his story could help someone else find meaning in their own life, it would be worth sharing.
Dane is survived by his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two teenage daughters, Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine. The couple wed in 2004 and separated in September 2017. Although Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, she later dropped the petition. In a reflective December essay for New York magazine's The Cut, she described their relationship as complicated yet rooted in familial love, stating they support one another despite not being romantically involved. Gayheart affirmed, “Eric and I are always going to want the best for each other." She expressed her commitment to easing his journey through his health struggles.
