Eric Dane, the actor widely recognized for his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan, affectionately known as “McSteamy,” on the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, has died at the age of 53. The news was confirmed on Thursday, , following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Dane’s representative, Melissa Bank, released a statement to USA Today, expressing deep sorrow. “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” the statement read. It further noted that he was surrounded by “dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.” The family requested privacy during this difficult time.
The actor’s diagnosis of ALS was made public in . Throughout his fight with the disease, Dane became an advocate for raising awareness and funding research, determined to make a difference for others facing similar challenges. He continued to work when possible, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to do so, even as the physical realities of ALS became increasingly difficult.
Just three weeks before his death, Dane had to withdraw from an ALS Network gala where he was to be honored with the Dean and Kathleen Rasmussen Advocate of the Year Award. The organization cited “the physical realities of living with ALS” as the reason for his absence, in a statement released on .
Dane’s career spanned decades, beginning with a television debut in 1993 in The Wonder Years. He gained wider recognition for his roles in Charmed and The Last Ship, and appeared in films such as X-Men: Last Stand, Marley & Me, Valentine’s Day, and Burlesque. However, it was his portrayal of the charismatic and often mischievous Dr. Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy, beginning in the show’s second season in 2006, that cemented his place in popular culture.
More recently, Dane took on the role of Cal Jacobs, the patriarch of a family, in the HBO teen drama Euphoria. His versatility as an actor allowed him to navigate a range of genres and character types throughout his career.
Dane is survived by his wife, actress and model Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. The outpouring of grief and remembrance from colleagues and fans alike underscores the impact he had on the entertainment industry and those who followed his work.
In an interview with The Washington Post in , Dane spoke candidly about the challenges of living with ALS, recounting an incident where he required stitches after a fall in his kitchen, causing him to miss a scheduled appearance at the 2025 Emmy Awards alongside former Grey’s Anatomy costar Jesse Williams for the show’s 20th anniversary celebration. He described ALS as a “nasty disease” but maintained a positive outlook, expressing gratitude for his continued ability to work.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually, death. According to the ALS Association, approximately 1 in 300 Americans are affected by the disease, and the average life expectancy following diagnosis is three to five years.
Dane’s passing serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of ALS and the urgent need for continued research and support for those living with the disease. His advocacy work in his final months will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, inspiring others to join the fight against this debilitating illness.
