Posted by Maria Sherman | The Associated Press
Eric Dane, the popular actor best known for his roles on “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria” and later in life became an advocate for ALS awareness, died Thursday. He was 53 years old.
His representatives say Dane died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, less than a year after announcing his diagnosis.
“He spent his last days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” said a statement that asked his family for privacy. “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference to others facing the same battle. He will always be deeply missed, and remembered fondly. Eric loved his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he received.”
Dane built a devoted fan base when his big break came in the mid-2000s: 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 return in 2021.
Although his character was killed on the show after a plane crash, Dane’s character left an indelible mark on the show’s ongoing run: Seattle Grace Hospital became Gray Sloan Memorial Hospital.
In 2019, he did a complete 180 from the charming McSteamy and became the troubled Cal Jacobs in the HBO thriller “Euphoria,” a role he continued until his death.
Dane also starred as Tom Chandler, a US Navy captain stranded at sea after a global disaster wiped out most of the world’s population, in the TNT drama “The Last Ship.” In 2017, production was put on hold as Dane battled depression.
In April 2025, Dane announced that he had been diagnosed with ALS, a progressive disease that attacks the nerve cells that control muscles throughout the body.
ALS gradually destroys the nerve cells and connections needed to walk, talk, talk and breathe. Most patients die within three to five years of diagnosis.
Dane became an advocate for ALS awareness, speaking at a news conference in Washington about pre-authorization of health insurance.
“Some of you may not know me from TV shows, like ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ where I play a doctor. But I’m here today to speak briefly as an ALS patient,” he said in June 2025. In September of that year, the ALS Network named Dane the recipient of their advocate of the year award, recognizing his awareness of ALS and his commitment to raising living standards.
Dane was born on November 9, 1972, and grew up in Northern California. His father, who the actor says was a Navy veteran and architect, died of a gunshot wound when Dane was 7 years old. After high school, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, landing guest roles on shows such as “Saved by the Bell,” “Married…With Children,” “Charred” and “X-Men: the Last Short Stand.” The drama “The Last Short Stand” and one season of medical.
Dane’s memoir is scheduled to be published in late 2026. “The Book of Days: A Memoir at a Time” will be published by Maria Shriver’s The Open Field, an imprint of Penguin Random House. According to Open Field, Dane’s memo covers key moments in his life, from his first day on the job at “Grey’s Anatomy” to the birth of his two daughters and learning he has ALS.
“I want to capture the moments that shaped me – the good days, the hard days, the ones I never took for granted – so that if nothing else, people who read it will remember what it means to live with heart,” Dane said in a statement about the book. “If sharing this helps someone find meaning in their days, then my story is worth telling.”
Dane is survived by his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine. Gayheart and Dane married in 2004 and separated in September 2017. Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, but later filed for annulment. In a December story for New York magazine The Cut featuring Dane’s diagnosis, Gayheart called their dynamic relationship “a very complicated, confusing relationship.” He said they never divorced, but dated other people and lived separately.
“Our love may not be love, but family love,” she said. “Eric knows that I’m always going to want the best for him. That I’m going to do everything in my power to do what’s right for him. And I know he’s going to do the same for me. So whatever I can do or whatever I can do to make this journey better for him or easier for him, I want to do that.”
