Eric Dane Dies at 53 After Battle With ALS

Eric Dane, best known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at the age of 53 after battling ALS. He revealed his diagnosis last year and became a strong advocate for awareness and research funding. Dane, remembered for his iconic role as Dr. Mark Sloan, is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Eric Dane, widely recognized for his performances in the hit television dramas Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, died on Thursday at the age of 53 after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and incurable neurological disease.
Dane publicly announced his ALS diagnosis in April last year. Following the announcement, he used his platform and public visibility to advocate for increased awareness, research funding, and support for individuals and families affected by the condition. In a statement released after his passing, his representatives said he spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his devoted wife, and his two daughters, Billie and Georgia, whom they described as the center of his world.
The statement noted that throughout his illness, Dane remained determined to make a meaningful impact. He became a passionate voice in the fight against ALS, working to raise awareness and encourage research efforts aimed at finding better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. His representatives said he would be deeply missed and lovingly remembered, adding that he cherished his fans and remained profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love and support he received during his final months.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a degenerative disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The disease progressively weakens muscles and interferes with a person’s ability to move, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe independently. There is currently no cure for ALS, and most patients typically survive three to five years after diagnosis, although some live longer. In his advocacy efforts, Dane traveled to Washington, DC, last year to meet with lawmakers and push for stronger federal support for ALS research and funding initiatives.
Dane rose to prominence in the mid-2000s for his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy, the long-running medical series that became a cultural phenomenon. Nicknamed “McSteamy” by fans, his character served as the head of plastic surgery at the fictional Seattle hospital that anchors the show’s storyline. Dr. Sloan became one of the series’ most beloved figures. After the character died from injuries sustained in a plane crash during the show’s ninth season in 2012, the hospital within the series was renamed in his honor. Dane later reprised the role in a 2021 appearance. The series remains one of the longest-running scripted American television shows and launched its 22nd season late last year.
In 2019, Dane gained renewed international recognition for his role as Cal Jacobs, a complex and troubled father, in HBO’s Euphoria. His portrayal added depth to the show’s exploration of family dysfunction and personal struggles. He was slated to appear in the drama’s long-anticipated final season, scheduled for release this year.
Born in 1972 and raised in Northern California, Dane faced personal tragedy early in life. His father, a Navy veteran and architect, died from a gunshot wound when Dane was just seven years old. After completing high school, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. He secured his first on-screen role in the popular teen series Saved by the Bell, marking the beginning of a career that would span television and film.
Over the years, Dane appeared in several films, including Marley & Me, X-Men: The Last Stand, and Bad Boys: Ride or Die, building a diverse portfolio that extended beyond his television fame.
In addition to his screen work, Dane had been working on a memoir that is scheduled for publication in late 2026. In a previous statement about the book, he said he wanted to document the defining moments of his life — both joyful and challenging — so that readers could reflect on what it means to live fully and with heart. He expressed hope that sharing his story might help others find meaning in their own lives, saying that if his experiences could inspire even one person, then his story would be worth telling.