From People.com: Eric Dane has died at the age of 53, PEOPLE confirms. Dane became a star with his role as Dr. Mark Sloan — a.k.a. McSteamy — in Grey’s Anatomy. Dane’s death comes 10 months after he went public with his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Dane died Thursday, Feb. 19, the actor’s family confirms to PEOPLE. “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” reads a statement from Dane’s family. “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.”
Dane was born in San Francisco in 1972. His father died from a gunshot wound when he was 7 years old. “He was a Navy man and ended up becoming an architect and interior designer. He was a troubled soul,” Dane told Gulf Times in 2014. He said that until he became a parent himself, he never realized how “devastating” the loss must have been for him as a child.
Dane was well known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, which he played from 2006 until 2012.
After experiencing health issues for a time, and 9 months of testing, Dane was finally diagnosed with ALS in December 2024. He publicly announced his diagnosis in April 2025.
Dane leaves behind his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, who he married in 2004, and two teen daughters Billie, born in 2010, and Georgia, born in 2011.
The ALS Association released the following statement: “We are saddened to share that Eric Dane passed away at 53 after a brave battle with ALS. In his final months, he didn’t just fight for himself — he fought for everyone living with ALS and their loved ones. He advocated for ALS research funding, raised awareness, and never stopped. His voice will carry on. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. ❤️ We desperately need to cure this devastating disease.”
We are saddened to share that Eric Dane passed away at 53 after a brave battle with ALS. In his final months, he didn't just fight for himself — he fought for everyone living with ALS and their loved ones. He advocated for ALS research funding, raised awareness, and never… pic.twitter.com/1yZIDqJv9x
— The ALS Association (@alsassociation) February 20, 2026
READ MORE from People.com.
BREAKING: Eric Dane, star of Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, is reportedly dead at 53yo. A year ago he announced he had ALS. RIP. In time, we will eradicate these diseases with AI, or so you would hope pic.twitter.com/jokQVpUWtD
— Dennis Michael Lynch (@TrustDML) February 20, 2026
JUST IN: Actor Eric Dane, best known for his starring role in the long-running ABC medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” has died at 53. https://t.co/NX2DuXdeR0 pic.twitter.com/VBxVxOu87m
— ABC News (@ABC) February 20, 2026
Dane opened up about his ALS diagnosis on “Good Morning America” in June 2025, and told host Diane Sawyer in an emotional interview that he already only had “one functioning arm” as a result of the disease. Details below:
We are heartbroken by the passing of our friend @RealEricDane, a fierce advocate, a generous spirit, and a true champion in the movement to end ALS.
Eric used his platform not for attention, but for action. Read our full statement online: https://t.co/lUuuk1VuQx pic.twitter.com/Wdf2R3ysme
— I AM ALS (@iamalsorg) February 20, 2026
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