Eric Dane, a renowned actor famous for his roles on “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” passed away at the age of 53 after bravely battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. His representatives confirmed his death, revealing that Dane had been diagnosed less than a year before his passing.
In his final days, Dane was surrounded by loved ones, including his devoted wife and two daughters, Billie and Georgia. Throughout his ALS journey, he emerged as a passionate advocate for awareness and research, aiming to make a difference for others facing similar challenges. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Following the news of Dane’s death, tributes poured in from his colleagues in Hollywood. Co-stars remembered him for his warmth, humor, and the mischievous glint in his eyes. Alyssa Milano, who acted alongside Dane in “Charmed,” recalled his sharp wit and love for surprising people. Patrick Dempsey, another “Grey’s Anatomy” co-star, praised Dane for bringing fun and humor to the set.
Shonda Rhimes, the creator of “Grey’s Anatomy,” hailed Dane as a gifted actor, expressing gratitude for his contributions to the show over the years. Sam Levinson, the creator of “Euphoria,” shared his heartbreak over losing a dear friend and highlighted Dane’s dedication to his work on the series.
Born in 1972 in northern California, Dane’s acting career took off when he landed the role of Dr. Mark Sloan, also known as McSteamy, on “Grey’s Anatomy.” He later portrayed Cal Jacobs in “Euphoria” and starred in the TNT drama “The Last Ship.” Despite facing personal challenges, Dane continued to captivate audiences with his performances.
In April 2025, Dane disclosed his ALS diagnosis and subsequently became a vocal advocate for raising awareness about the disease. Recognized for his efforts, he received the ALS Network’s advocate of the year award in September 2025. A memoir titled “Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments,” reflecting on key events in Dane’s life, is set to be published soon.
Eric Dane is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine. Their relationship, though complex, was a significant part of Dane’s life, as detailed by Gayheart in a heartfelt essay following his diagnosis.