Eric Dane, the actor widely recognized for his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan on the long-running television series “Grey’s Anatomy” and, more recently, for his role in HBO’s “Euphoria,” died Thursday afternoon at the age of 53 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), his representatives confirmed.
Dane publicly announced his diagnosis of ALS in April 2025, less than a year before his death. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually, death. The cause of ALS remains unknown, and there is currently no cure.
“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,” a statement released by his representatives said. The statement also requested privacy for the family during this difficult time. Throughout his struggle with the disease, Dane became a vocal advocate for ALS awareness and research, seeking to support others facing similar challenges.
Dane first gained prominence as Dr. Mark Sloan, nicknamed “McSteamy,” on “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2006. He remained a central figure on the display until 2012, and later reprised the role in 2021. His character’s departure from the series following a fictional plane crash led to the hospital being renamed Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in his honor.
In 2019, Dane took on a markedly different role as Cal Jacobs in “Euphoria,” portraying a father grappling with addiction and complex family dynamics. He continued in this role until his death, with his final appearances scheduled to air in the show’s third season, which is set to premiere in April.
Beyond “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” Dane’s career spanned decades, including roles in films such as “X-Men: Last Stand” (2006) and “Burlesque” (2010), as well as television series including “Charmed.”
He is survived by his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters. According to the ALS Association, approximately 1 in 300 Americans are affected by the disease. The typical life expectancy following an ALS diagnosis is three to five years, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
