Hollywood Mourns: Eric Dane’s Star-Studded Farewell at 53 Leaves Fans Heartbroken

Eric Dane’s sudden death at 53 has left his celebrity friends and former colleagues deeply saddened, with Ashton Kutcher among those offering heartfelt tributes to the beloved actor.

The news of the “Euphoria” star’s passing was shared by his family on Thursday, marking a tragic moment less than a year after he publicly revealed his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Dane was celebrated for his versatile roles in Hollywood, most notably as Dr. Mark Sloan, affectionately known as “McSteamy,” on “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Upon hearing the heartbreaking news, Kutcher expressed his sorrow on X, saying, “The Franklin Strip Fanatics Fantasy Football League will miss Mr. Eric Dane.”

He continued, “We know you’ll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS.”

Kutcher and Dane had previously starred together on the 2010 rom-com film Valentine’s Day. 

Eric Dane’s celebrity friends and former castmates have been left heartbroken over his death at age 53, with Ashton Kutcher leading emotional tributes to the late actor; Dane seen in 2022 in L.A. 

Kutcher took to X shortly after learning the devastating news of Dane’s passing and wrote, ‘The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane’

Nina Dobrev shared a message to her Instagram stories alongside a behind-the-scenes image of Dane. The pair had previously worked on the 2022 movie Redeeming Love.

She penned, ‘Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Eric. He was warm, generous, prepared, and so passionate about what he did.

‘He led with kindness and made everyone on our set feel seen. ALS is a cruel and unforgiving disease.’ 

The Vampire Diaries alum added, ‘May his memory inspire more research, awareness, and progress toward a cure. He will be deeply missed. Sending love and heartfelt condolensces to his family.’ 

His family said in a statement on Thursday, ‘With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS.

‘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.’ 

They added, ‘Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight.

‘He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.’

‘We know you’ll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS,’ Kutcher added

She penned, ‘Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Eric. He was warm, generous, prepared, and so passionate about what he did’

The award-winning actor is survived by his two teenage daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13, and his wife, Rebecca Gayheart.

ALS is ‘a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord’ and can ’cause loss of muscle control,’ per Mayo Clinic. 

Dane announced his diagnosis with the disease last year in April. 

Just a few months later in June, he had lost function of his right arm and hand. By October he was in a wheelchair.