Eric Dane, 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Euphoria' Star, Dies at 53 After ALS Battle

The actor revealed his ALS diagnosis less than a year before his passing.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Eric Dane, best known for his roles on "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria", has died at the age of 53. Dane's death comes nearly a year after he publicly announced his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. His family confirmed that he passed away on Thursday, February 19th, surrounded by loved ones.

Why it matters

Dane's death is a tragic loss for the entertainment industry, as he was a talented and versatile actor who had a significant impact on popular television shows like "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria". His openness about his ALS diagnosis also made him an advocate for raising awareness and supporting research for the debilitating neurological condition.

The details

Dane revealed his ALS diagnosis in 2025 and continued to film the third season of "Euphoria" while navigating his battle with the disease. In a statement, his family said he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones, including his wife Rebecca Gayheart and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. Dane was known for playing Dr. Mark Sloan, aka "McSteamy", on "Grey's Anatomy" from 2006 to 2012, as well as taking on the role of Cal Jacobs in the HBO series "Euphoria" in recent years.

  • Dane revealed his ALS diagnosis in 2025.
  • Dane passed away on February 19, 2026.

The players

Eric Dane

A talented actor best known for his roles on "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria", who passed away at the age of 53 after a battle with ALS.

Rebecca Gayheart

Dane's wife, who was by his side during his final days.

Billie Dane

One of Dane's two daughters.

Georgia Dane

One of Dane's two daughters.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Eric Dane's passing is a profound loss for the entertainment community, as he was a talented and versatile actor who left an indelible mark on television. His openness about his ALS diagnosis also made him an important advocate, inspiring others facing similar challenges.