Eric Dane, the American actor known to millions for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at the age of 53 following a widely documented battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS.
His death was confirmed by his representatives on Thursday. In a statement, his family said he died surrounded by loved ones after living with the degenerative neurological disease, which he had publicly revealed in 2025. They described him as a devoted husband and father whose focus in his final months was on raising awareness of ALS and supporting efforts to advance research.
ALS, also referred to as motor neurone disease, is a progressive condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control. There is currently no cure. Dane had spoken candidly about his diagnosis, explaining that he first noticed weakness in his right hand before receiving confirmation of the illness. As the disease progressed, he became increasingly open about the physical and emotional challenges he faced.
Dane rose to international prominence for his portrayal of Dr Mark Sloan, known as “McSteamy”, on the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. His character became one of the show’s most recognisable figures during his tenure on the series from 2006 to 2012. In recent years, he found a new generation of viewers through his role as Cal Jacobs in the HBO drama Euphoria, where he played a complex and controversial family patriarch.
Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane began his acting career in the 1990s with guest appearances on television series before securing more prominent roles. His early credits included parts in Charmed and Gideon’s Crossing, before his breakout role on Grey’s Anatomy established him as a leading television actor. He later appeared in films including Marley & Me and Valentine’s Day, as well as TNT’s drama series The Last Ship.
Following his ALS diagnosis, Dane became increasingly involved in advocacy work. He spoke publicly about the need for greater funding and faster research into treatments for the disease. In interviews, he described both moments of determination and periods of fear as he adjusted to the reality of living with a progressive illness. He urged others facing similar diagnoses not to lose hope and emphasised the importance of community and medical support.
Tributes from colleagues and fans poured in following news of his death. Former co-stars and industry figures remembered him as charismatic, generous and deeply committed to his craft. Many highlighted his willingness to speak openly about ALS, saying it helped raise awareness of a condition that often remains misunderstood.
Dane is survived by his wife, actor Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters. His family asked for privacy as they grieve.
His death marks the loss of a prominent television figure whose career spanned more than two decades and whose final chapter was defined not only by illness, but by a determination to use his platform to advocate for change.
