Actor Eric Dane, best known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at the age of 53, less than a year after publicly revealing that he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Dane played the powerful and troubled family patriarch Cal Jacobs on HBO’s hit series Euphoria. Before that, he rose to international fame as Dr Mark Sloan — nicknamed “Dr McSteamy” — on Grey’s Anatomy, a role that made him one of the show’s most recognisable stars.
The California-born actor shared his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. In the months that followed, he devoted much of his time and energy to raising awareness and funds for research into the disease, the most common form of motor neurone disease (MND).
In a statement released by his family, they said:
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS.”
Dane was married to actress and model Rebecca Gayheart, and together they had two daughters. His family said he spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his wife and his daughters, Billie and Georgia, describing them as “the center of his world”.
“He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always,” the statement continued. “Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he received.”
Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane began his acting career in the early 1990s. He made his television debut in The Wonder Years in 1993 and went on to build a steady career with roles in shows including Charmed, where he played Jason Dean, and The Last Ship, starring as Captain Tom Chandler. His film credits included Marley & Me, Valentine’s Day and Burlesque.
Tributes quickly poured in from colleagues across the television and film industry. Dane’s Grey’s Anatomy co-stars were among the first to honour him. Patrick Dempsey, who played Dr Derek Shepherd, described Dane as “a joy to work with”.
“He was the funniest man — he was such a joy on set,” Dempsey told Virgin Radio. “Any time he was there, he brought so much fun. He also did an incredible job bringing awareness to this horrible disease.”
Kim Raver, who portrays Dr Teddy Altman on the show, recalled Dane’s comic timing and presence. “He’d get this twinkle in his eye and deliver a line that would absolutely floor you,” she said. Kevin McKidd, another co-star, simply wrote: “Rest in peace, buddy.”
Euphoria creator Sam Levinson said he was “heartbroken” by the loss, adding: “Working with him was an honour. Being his friend was a gift.”
Actors from across Dane’s career also shared memories. Alyssa Milano, who worked with him on Charmed, wrote that her “heart is with the people who were lucky enough to be his home”. Ashton Kutcher, who starred alongside him in Valentine’s Day, said: “Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS.” Nina Dobrev described Dane as someone who “led with kindness” and called the disease “cruel and unforgiving”.
After going public with his diagnosis, Dane became a visible advocate for ALS research. In November, he appeared in an episode of NBC’s Brilliant Minds, portraying a firefighter grappling with an ALS diagnosis. Earlier this month, he was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in health, recognised for his advocacy work.
“I’m trying to save my life,” Dane told Time. “And if my actions can move the needle forward for myself and countless others, I’m satisfied.”
In December, he joined the board of directors of Target ALS, helping one of its campaigns raise more than $500,000. He also appeared in fundraising videos, describing himself as “an actor, a father, and now a person living with ALS”, and calling for renewed urgency in the search for a cure.
In a June interview with Good Morning America, Dane spoke candidly about his fears, saying the diagnosis made him angry, particularly because he had already lost his own father as a child. “There’s a very good chance I’m going to be taken from my girls while they’re very young,” he said.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rare degenerative condition that causes progressive paralysis by attacking motor neurons. There is currently no cure. Most people live three to five years after diagnosis, though some survive much longer.
Eric Dane’s final months were defined not only by illness, but by a determined effort to ensure that his platform, voice and legacy could help bring hope to others living with ALS.
