Eric Dane, the actor celebrated for his roles as Dr. Mark Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy” and Cal Jacobs on HBO’s “Euphoria,” died Friday at the age of 53, less than a year after publicly revealing his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Dane’s representatives confirmed his death in a statement, noting he passed away surrounded by family and friends. “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,” the statement read. The family requested privacy during this difficult time.
Born November 9, 1972, in California, Dane’s early life was marked by tragedy when his father, a Navy veteran, died by gunshot when Dane was seven years old. He pursued acting after high school, appearing in guest roles on television shows including “Saved by the Bell,” “Married… with Children,” “Charmed,” and the film “X-Men: The Last Stand,” as well as a stint on the medical drama “Gideon’s Crossing.”
His breakthrough role came in 2006 with the character of Dr. Mark Sloan, nicknamed “McSteamy,” on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy.” He remained a central figure on the show until 2012, returning for a guest appearance in 2021. In 2019, Dane took on the role of Cal Jacobs in “Euphoria,” a performance that continued until his death.
Dane too starred as Captain Tom Chandler in the TNT drama “The Last Ship,” a role that required a production halt in 2017 while he addressed personal struggles with depression.
In April 2025, Dane publicly disclosed his ALS diagnosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS gradually impairs the ability to walk, speak, swallow and breathe, and typically leads to death within three to five years of diagnosis.
Following his diagnosis, Dane became a vocal advocate for ALS awareness and research. He spoke at a news conference in Washington, D.C., addressing health insurance prior authorization issues, stating, “Some of you may know me from TV shows, such as Grey’s Anatomy, which I play a doctor. But I am here today to speak briefly as a patient battling ALS.” In September 2025, the ALS Network recognized his advocacy efforts with their Advocate of the Year award.
A memoir, titled “Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments,” is scheduled for publication in 2026 by The Open Field, an imprint of Penguin Random House. According to the publisher, the book will reflect on key moments in Dane’s life, from his early days on “Grey’s Anatomy” to the births of his daughters and his experience with ALS. Dane had expressed a desire to share his story, hoping it would assist others find meaning in their own lives.
Rebecca Gayheart, Dane’s wife, had withdrawn a divorce filing following his ALS diagnosis, according to reports.
