Eric Dane, the actor widely recognized for his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan on the long-running medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” has died at the age of 53, following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The news was announced on Thursday, February 20, 2026, by his family.
Dane publicly revealed his diagnosis of ALS in April 2025. He spoke candidly about the rapid progression of the disease in a June 2025 interview with Diane Sawyer, describing the loss of function on his right side and expressing concern about the potential loss of use of his left hand in the coming months. Despite the grim prognosis, he maintained a hopeful outlook.
Born November 9, 1972, in San Francisco, California, Dane began his acting career in the early 1990s, with early roles in television series such as “Saved by the Bell,” “The Wonder Years,” “Roseanne,” and “Married… with Children.” He gained further recognition for his recurring role as Jason Dean in the supernatural series “Charmed.” However, it was his portrayal of the charismatic plastic surgeon, Dr. Mark Sloan – affectionately nicknamed “McSteamy” by fans – on “Grey’s Anatomy,” beginning in 2006, that catapulted him to mainstream stardom.
Dane’s character, Dr. Sloan, became a fan favorite, known for his wit, charm, and complex relationships. He remained with the show for eight seasons. In a 2025 interview, Dane recalled a memorable scene from his early days on “Grey’s Anatomy,” emerging from a steam-filled bathroom barely clad in a towel, a moment that quickly became iconic and solidified his status as a television heartthrob. He described the scene as simply “another scene” at the time, unaware of its lasting impact.
Following his departure from “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2012, Dane continued to work steadily in television. He starred as Commander Tom Chandler in the TNT action drama “The Last Ship” for five seasons, navigating a global pandemic scenario. More recently, he took on the role of Cal Jacobs in the critically acclaimed HBO drama “Euphoria,” portraying a closeted father grappling with complex family dynamics. His most recent television appearance was in the 2025 Amazon Prime crime drama, “Countdown.”
Dane’s filmography also included roles in several notable films, including “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “Marley & Me,” “Burlesque,” “Dangerous Waters,” and “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” (2024). In November 2025, he appeared in the TV drama “Brilliant Minds,” portraying a firefighter living with ALS who concealed his diagnosis from his family, a role that resonated deeply given his own circumstances.
Despite facing the challenges of ALS, Dane remained optimistic and determined to raise awareness about the disease. He told Diane Sawyer in 2025 that he was “very hopeful” about the future, stating, “I don’t think Here’s the end of my story. And whether This proves or it isn’t, I’m gonna carry that idea with me.”
Eric Dane is survived by his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters. Gayheart and Dane married in October 2004. While Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, she later moved to dismiss the petition in March 2025, shortly after Dane publicly disclosed his ALS diagnosis. In a December 2025 essay for The Cut, Gayheart described their relationship as a “familial love,” emphasizing a deep and enduring connection that transcended traditional romantic definitions.
“It’s a very complicated relationship, one that’s confusing for people. Our love may not be romantic, but it’s a familial love,” Gayheart wrote. “Eric knows that I am always going to want the best for him. That I’m going to do my best to do right by him. And I know he would do the same for me.” She continued, stating her commitment to supporting him through his illness and modeling that dedication for their daughters.
Eric Dane’s passing marks a significant loss for the entertainment industry and for the many fans who admired his talent and charisma. His willingness to share his journey with ALS, even in the face of immense personal challenges, served as an inspiration and a call for greater awareness and research into this devastating disease.
