Eric Dane, the actor best known for his portrayal of Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, has died at the age of 53 following a battle with ALS. The news was confirmed on Thursday, , and has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans.
Dane’s representative, Melissa Bank, released a statement to USA Today, saying, “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.” The statement continued, noting that throughout his journey with ALS, Dane “became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight.”
The actor first publicly revealed his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in . He continued to work and advocate for ALS awareness even as the disease progressed, though he was forced to withdraw from an ALS Network gala just three weeks before his death “due to the physical realities of living with ALS,” according to a statement from the organization.
Dane’s role as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy catapulted him to fame. The character, nicknamed “McSteamy” for his charm and good looks, became a fan favorite during the show’s run. More recently, he garnered critical acclaim for his performance as Cal Jacobs in the HBO drama Euphoria. Sam Levinson, the creator of Euphoria, described himself as “heartbroken” by the loss, telling Variety, “Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift.”
Beyond his on-screen work, Dane’s final months were marked by a commitment to raising awareness about ALS. He spoke candidly about the challenges of living with the disease, including a fall in his kitchen that required hospital treatment and forced him to miss a scheduled appearance at the 2025 Emmy Awards alongside former Grey’s Anatomy costar Jesse Williams. “ALS is a nasty disease,” he told The Washington Post in an interview.
The news of Dane’s passing has resonated widely within the entertainment industry. Actor Ashton Kutcher shared his condolences on X, writing, “Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS.” Maria Shriver, whose publishing imprint will release Dane’s memoir, Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, later this year, expressed her sorrow and praised his courage. “He was so heroic the way he handled his diagnosis,” Shriver wrote on X. “He used his voice to let the world know what it was like living with ALS.”
Book of Days promises to offer a personal look into Dane’s life, covering pivotal moments including his early days on the set of Grey’s Anatomy, the birth of his daughters, and his experience receiving an ALS diagnosis. Dane had previously stated his hope that the memoir would help others find meaning in their own lives. “If sharing this helps someone find meaning in their own days, then my story is worth telling,” he said, according to the Associated Press.
ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a loss of muscle control. As the ALS Association explains, the disease progressively damages motor neurons, ultimately impacting the ability to move, speak, swallow, and breathe. There is currently no cure for ALS.
Eric Dane is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. His family has requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time. His legacy extends beyond his memorable roles on screen to his recent advocacy work, which brought increased attention to the urgent need for ALS research and support.
I AM ALS, an advocacy group dedicated to fighting the disease, described Dane as a “fierce advocate” and a “true champion” in the movement to end ALS. His commitment to raising awareness will undoubtedly continue to inspire efforts to find effective treatments and ultimately a cure for this devastating illness.
