Eric Dane, the acclaimed actor best known for his roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at the age of 53, less than a year after publicly revealing his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Dane passed away on Thursday afternoon, according to a statement from his family, following what they described as a “courageous battle with ALS.”
Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane rose to international fame for his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan, affectionately nicknamed ‘Dr. McSteamy,’ on the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. He later became widely recognized for his role as Cal Jacobs, the complex family patriarch in HBO’s hit teen drama Euphoria.
Over the course of his career, Dane also appeared in the fantasy drama series Charmed as Jason Dean, starred as Captain Tom Chandler in the action drama series The Last Ship, and took roles in major films including Marley & Me, Valentine’s Day, and Burlesque.
Dane’s family shared that he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones, including his devoted wife, actress and model Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia, “who were the center of his world.”
The statement read: “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.”
The family highlighted that Dane had dedicated much of his final months to raising awareness about ALS, the most common form of motor neurone disease, demonstrating his commitment to using his platform for advocacy even in the face of a devastating diagnosis.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rare and progressive neurological condition that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord controlling voluntary muscle movement. The disease causes a gradual loss of the ability to speak, eat, walk, and breathe independently, ultimately leading to paralysis.
Dane publicly shared his diagnosis last year and spoke candidly about the emotional impact it had on him during an interview with ABC’s Good Morning America. “Because, you know, my father was taken from me when I was young,” Dane said, reflecting on his childhood loss. “And now, you know, there’s a very good chance I’m going to be taken from my girls while they’re very young.”
His father had died by suicide when Dane was seven, a traumatic experience that shaped his response to the news of his own illness. In the months following his diagnosis, Dane focused on raising awareness about ALS, speaking openly about the disease and its effects on patients and families.
Tributes from colleagues and co-stars poured in following the news of Dane’s death. Kim Raver, who played Dr. Teddy Altman on Grey’s Anatomy, recalled: “During filming he’d get this twinkle in his eye and with a mischievous look, he would deliver with perfect comedic timing, a line of dialogue that would floor you.”
Kevin McKidd, who portrayed trauma surgeon Owen Hunt on the same series, posted a brief message on Instagram saying, “Rest in peace buddy.” Sam Levinson, creator of Euphoria, also paid tribute to Dane in a statement to Variety:
“I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend. Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift.” Fans and colleagues alike remember Dane not only for his memorable performances but also for his generosity, kindness, and dedication to his family and his craft.
Throughout his career, Eric Dane left an indelible mark on television and film, captivating audiences with his charisma and versatility. From his early television debut on The Wonder Years in 1993 to his iconic roles on some of the most-watched shows of the 2000s and 2010s, Dane’s work resonated with millions.
His passing at 53 is a significant loss to the entertainment industry, and his legacy lives on through his memorable performances, his advocacy for ALS awareness, and the love and admiration of his family, friends, and fans around the world.