Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria star Eric Dane has died at the age of 53. He was diagnosed with ALS last year. The star passed away on Thursday, his family says.
Eric Dane became a household name as Dr. Mark Sloan, also known as “McSteamy,” on the hit television series Grey’s Anatomy. Ten months ago, he was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
In a statement to People Magazine, Eric Dane’s family shared that the actor died on Thursday, February 19.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” the statement read. “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.”
“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.”
Eric Dane dead at 53
Born in San Francisco on November 9, 1972, Dane had a difficult childhood. His father died from a gunshot wound when he was only seven years old. He told the Gulf Times that it wasn’t until he became a parent himself that he understood how “devastating” the loss must have been for him as a child.
Dane discovered acting by accident. He played water polo in high school, and because the season was short, he ended up performing as Joe Keller in All My Sons. He told the Gulf Times in 2014 that he “fell in love” with acting at that moment.
After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Dane landed roles on television series such as The Wonder Years, Saved by the Bell, Roseanne, and Married… With Children. His first recurring role was on Gideon’s Crossing.
In 2009, Dane made his big‑screen debut in The Basket.
Grey’s Anatomy would change his life forever. He was cast as Mark Sloan in the show’s second season in 2006, originally intended as a small role.
However, due to the overwhelming fan reaction, he became part of the main cast. While his acting was praised, many fans also found his character extremely attractive, and Dane quickly became a sex symbol. In 2012, he left the show when his character was killed off.
Star on Grey’s Anatomy
“It just kind of made sense,” he told Glamour in 2019 about leaning into the character’s sensual persona in real life. “I felt like I had an artistic obligation to not shy away from that part of the character. And to a degree, there’s a lot of me in that guy. But I think at the end of the day, you tend to give people what they’re asking for, because it’s the path of least resistance.”
Dane became a favorite among younger audiences in 2019 after landing a role in the hit series Euphoria. In April last year, he was diagnosed with ALS. In a statement at the time, he said, “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”
The former Grey’s Anatomy star remained outspoken about the disease, which he called “nasty” in October. He was set to appear at the show’s reunion at the Emmy Awards, but had to cancel after a fall that left him hospitalized.
“ALS is a nasty disease,” he said. “So I was in the hospital during the Emmys getting stitches put in my head.”
Eric Dane revealed first ALS symptoms
Dane continued to speak openly about his diagnosis, and in June, during an appearance on Good Morning America, he revealed the first symptoms he experienced. At first, he didn’t think much of them.
“I started experiencing some weakness in my right hand, and I didn’t really think anything of it at the time,” he explained. “I thought maybe I had been texting too much or my hand was fatigued. But a few weeks later I noticed it had gotten a little worse, so I went and saw a hand specialist, and he sent me to another hand specialist.”
The actor added, “I went and saw a neurologist and they sent me to another neurologist and said this is way above [his] pay grade.”
On Thursday, February 19, his family announced that he had passed away. Eric Dane is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14.
Rest in peace, Eric Dane. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
