Eric Dane, the celebrated actor best known for his roles on “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria” and who later in life became an advocate for ALS awareness, died Thursday. He was 53.
On Thursday (Feb 19), the family released a statement to TMZ. “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”
“Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight.” The statement continuted, “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 has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
In April 2025, Dane first announced he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly referred to as ALS.
Since then, the illness progressively worsened, forcing Dane to cancel several events in the months leading to his death.
Last month, the actor backed out of the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care Gala on Saturday, Jan. 24, where he was meant to receive its Advocate of the Year award “due to the physical realities of ALS.”
Prior to that he was absent from the Emmys back in September, just days after he was announced as a presenter at the illustrious awards, sparking concern among fans. He later said, “ALS is a nasty disease…So I was in the hospital during the Emmys getting stitches put in my head.”
In September 2025, Dane mentioned how we wanted to fight the illness to watch his two daughters began their transition into adulthood.
“I have two daughters at home. I want to see them, you know, graduate college, and get married and maybe have grandkids. You know, I want to be there for all that. So I’m going to fight to the last breath on this one.”
Dane and and actress Rebecca Gayheart, 54, tied the knot in 2004, and share children Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13.
Gayheart filed for divorce from Dane in 2018; however, in March 2025, just one month before the “Grey’s Anatomy” alum announced his diagnosis, she dismissed the filing.
While speaking on the podcast, “Broad Ideas,” Gayheart previously opened up about the state of their relationship, insisting that she will always be there as a source of support for Dane, even though their marriage has ended.
“We’ve been separated for eight years. The kids live with me 100% of the time. There’s been lots of just stuff, other stuff,” she told hosts Rachel Bilson and Olivia Allen.
Dane, a California native, moved to Los Angeles in his teens to pursue acting. He landed guest roles on shows like “Saved by the Bell,” “Married…With Children,” “Charmed” and “X-Men: the Last Stand,” and one season of the short-lived medical drama “Gideon’s Crossing.”
His big break arrived in the mid-2000s, when he was cast as Dr. Mark Sloan, aka McSteamy, on the ABC medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” a role he would play from 2006 until 2012 and reprise in 2021. In 2019, he did a complete 180 and became Cal Jacobs, a troubled married man, in HBO’s provocative drama, “Euphoria,” a role he continued in up until his death.