Feb 20, 2026 10:56am IST
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Actor Eric Dane Dies at 53
Eric Dane, known for his popular roles in "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria," has passed on at the age of 53 due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Sharing the unfortunate news of his demise, Eric's family released a statement, which read, "With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS."
The California-born star was best known as Dr. Mark Sloan, or Dr. McSteamy, in the medical drama "Grey's Anatomy." He also featured as family patriarch, Cal Jacobs, in the successful HBO show "Euphoria."
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After being diagnosed with ALS in 2025, Eric spent time raising awareness about this most common manifestation of motor neuron disease (MND).
"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," reads the statement further.
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Dane was married to fellow actress and model Rebecca Gayheart, and has two children with her.
The statement also shares that the actor spent his last days surrounded by his wife, two daughters and friends.
Apart from playing the famous characters Jason Dean and Captain Tom in shows like "Charmed" and "The Last Ship," Eric featured in films like "Marley & Me," "Valentine's Day" and "Burlesque."
ALS is a rare degenerative disease that causes progressive paralysis of the muscles. It is also called Lou Gehrig's disease.
The disease impacts the nerve cells in the brain and spine that control muscle movement, after which patients slowly lose their ability to speak, eat, walk and breathe independently.
The actor shared last summer that this diagnosis made him angry while talking to ABC Network's "Good Morning America."
"Because, you know, my father was taken from me when I was young. And now, you know, there's a very good chance I'm going to be taken from my girls while they're very young, " he said in the program.
The actor was seven when his father died by suicide.
Born in San Francisco in 1972, Eric made his TV debut in “The Wonder Years" in 1993.
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