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Eric Dane, widely recognized for his role as the charming McSteamy on “Grey’s Anatomy,” has passed away at the age of 53.
His family announced his death on Thursday, coming less than a year after Dane disclosed his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a condition also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon after bravely battling ALS,” his family stated on Thursday.
“In his final days, he was surrounded by close friends, his beloved wife, and his two cherished daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the lights of his life,” the statement continued. “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a devoted advocate for raising awareness and supporting research, driven to create a positive impact for others facing the same struggle.”
“He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Eric cherished his fans and was continually grateful for the overwhelming love and support he received. The family requests privacy as they navigate through this incredibly difficult time,” the statement concluded.
The award-winning actor is survived by his two teenage daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13, and his wife, Rebecca Gayheart.
Eric Dane, who was catapulted to fame after starring as the heartthrob McSteamy on Grey’s Anatomy, has died at 53. The actor’s death was announced on Thursday, less than a year after he revealed that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); pictured in June 2025 in LA
Eric Dane has died aged 52 following a battle with ALS
The beloved actor is survived by his two teenage daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia, 13
ALS is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control and paralysis as it gets worse over time, per Mayo Clinic.
Dane announced his diagnosis with the disease in April. By June, he revealed that he had lost function of his right arm and hand and by October he was in a wheelchair.
Born on November 9, 1972, Dane moved to Los Angeles at the age of 21 to pursue a career in Hollywood.
His early acting credits involved appearances in Saved by the Bell, The Wonder Years, Roseanne, and Married… with Children, but his big break came in 2000 when he was cast in a recurring role in Gideon’s Crossing.
He then went on to land the role of Jason Dean in Charmed.
In 2005, Dane guest appeared in Grey’s Anatomy as Dr Mark Sloan.
His character garnered such a huge response from viewers in his debut episode that he was promoted to a series regular for the show’s third season.
Dane went on to appear on the medical drama until the eight season when he resigned, although he returned fleetingly in season nine before Dr Mark was killed off.
Dane famously protrayed Dr Mark Sloan in the medical drama Grey’s Anatomy
His character proved so popular with viewers that he was promoted to a series regular
More recently, Dane played strict and demanding father Cal Jacobs in the HBO series Euphoria
More recently, Dane starred as Jacob Elordi’s on-screen dad in the HBO series, Euphoria, which premiered in 2019.
In April, he confirmed that he would be returning to the show as Cal Jacobs for its third and final season.
‘I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to [the] set of Euphoria,’ he said in a statement to People.
On the big screen, Dane appeared in array of huge titles, including Marley & Me (2008), Burlesque (2010), and Americana (2023).
In 2010, he starred alongside Jessica Alba, Kathy Bates, Jessica Biel, and Bradley Cooper in the romcom, Valentine’s Day.
Earlier this year, Dane appeared in Jimmy Warden’s directorial debut, Borderline with Samara Weaving and Ray Nicholson.
Dane had been open about his declining health, first revealing his ALS diagnosis in April.
‘I have been diagnosed with ALS,’ he told People at the time. ‘I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.’
‘I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter,’ Dane said in April as he shared news of his ALS diagnosis
Dane was seen in a wheelchair in Washington, DC at the end of September
In an interview with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America in June, Dane spoke about how he was processing amid his health battle.
‘I wake up every day, and I’m immediately reminded that this is happening. It’s not a dream,’ he said.
Meanwhile, Dane’s wife Rebecca opened up about how their family was dealing with his ‘heartbreaking’ diagnosis.
She said that their teenage daughters were talking to therapists as their father battled with the progressive neurodegenerative disease.
‘I mean, it’s heartbreaking,’ she told People. ‘My girls are really suffering, and we’re just trying to get through it. It’s a tough time.
‘We have some professional therapists who are helping us, and we’re just trying to have some hope and do it with dignity, grace and love.’
Dane wed Rebecca in 2004. They were married for 14 years before she filed for divorce in 2018, however, the pair called off the split seven years later.
His announcement about his diagnosis came a month after Rebecca requested to dismiss her divorce filing.
The popular actor wed his wife Rebecca in 2004 (pictured with their daughters in 2017)
Rebecca filed for divorce in 2018, but the couple called off their split earlier this year
‘I mean, we’re definitely dealing with something that has brought us all together, and Eric will always be my family, whether we’re married or not, or living in the same house or not, but yeah, we are closer, but we don’t like the reason why,’ she said.
‘It’s a horrible disease, and I wish that there was a cure. I hope they find one soon, because it is just so sad.’
In September, Dane was notably absent from the Emmys despite a previously announced appearance to reunite with his Grey’s Anatomy co-star Jesse Williams to present an award.
Williams ended up presenting alone onstage and made no mention of Dane’s absence.
A day later, Dane made a virtual appearance as he revealed he partnered up with the nonprofit organization I AM ALS.
In the video, he encouraged people to donate for the cause to find a cure.
‘I’m Eric, an actor, a father and now a person living with ALS,’ he said in the video.