Eric Dane, the actor widely recognized for his roles as Dr. Mark Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy” and Cal Jacobs on “Euphoria,” died Thursday afternoon at the age of 53 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), his family announced.
Dane revealed his diagnosis in April 2025, and his death came less than ten months later. His family stated he spent his final days surrounded by friends, his wife, and his two daughters, Billie, and Georgia. “He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always,” the family said in a statement provided to CBS News and People magazine. “Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.”
Throughout his struggle with ALS, Dane became an advocate for increased awareness and research into the disease, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. According to the ALS Association, approximately one in 300 Americans are affected by ALS.
Dane first gained prominence with his recurring role in the second season of “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2006, later becoming a main cast member. He also appeared in films including “X-Men: Last Stand” (2006) and “Burlesque” (2010), as well as the television series “Charmed” and “The Last Ship.” More recently, he played a central role in the HBO series “Euphoria.”
He is survived by his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters. Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, but ultimately called off the proceedings after Dane’s ALS diagnosis, describing their relationship as a “huge success” despite its ending as a marriage.
ALS impacts the nervous system, affecting the brain and spinal cord, and causes progressive muscle paralysis. The cause of the disease remains unknown, and the life expectancy following diagnosis is typically three to five years, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Dane’s “Grey’s Anatomy” co-star Patrick Dempsey described him as “a joy to work with,” according to reports.
