Eric Dane, “Gray’s Anatomy” star recognized with ALS, dies at 53

Eric Dane, the actor greatest recognized for his function as Dr. Mark Sloan on the hit medical collection “Gray’s Anatomy,” has died on the age of 53, his household introduced Thursday. 

In April 2025, Dane introduced he had been recognized with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. 

“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane handed on Thursday afternoon following a brave battle with ALS,” his household mentioned in an announcement offered to CBS Information. “He spent his last days surrounded by expensive mates, his devoted spouse, and his two lovely daughters, Billie and Georgia, who had been the middle of his world.” 

“All through his journey with ALS, Eric grew to become a passionate advocate for consciousness and analysis, decided to make a distinction for others going through the identical combat,” his household continued. “He might be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered all the time. Eric adored his followers and is eternally grateful for the outpouring of affection and help he is acquired. The household has requested for privateness as they navigate this inconceivable time.”   

Alongside together with his future on “Gray’s Anatomy,” Dane was a prolific actor with dozens of credit relationship again to the early Nineties, together with roles in tv exhibits together with “Euphoria” and “Charmed,” and movies similar to 2006’s “X-Males: Final Stand” and 2010’s “Burlesque.” 

He’s survived by his spouse, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters. 

ALS, which is also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s illness — named after the New York Yankees participant — impacts the nervous system and impacts the mind and spinal wire, in keeping with the Mayo Clinic. It worsens over time, and its trigger is unknown. About 1 in 300 People are affected by ALS, the ALS Affiliation informed CBS Information in 2023. In keeping with the Cleveland Clinic, the life expectancy following an ALS analysis is three to 5 years. 

On the time of his ALS announcement final 12 months, Dane mentioned he deliberate to proceed appearing, and in a digital panel in December, he mentioned it was “crucial that I share my journey with as many individuals as I can as a result of I do not really feel like my life is about me anymore.”

Dane was born on Nov. 9, 1972, and raised in California. His father, a Navy man, died of a gunshot wound when he was 7. After highschool, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue appearing, touchdown visitor roles on exhibits like “Saved by the Bell,” “Married…With Kids” and “Charmed,” and one season of the short-lived medical drama “Gideon’s Crossing.” 

His massive break arrived within the mid-2000s, when he was forged as Dr. Mark Sloan, aka McSteamy, on the ABC medical drama “Gray’s Anatomy,” a job he would play from 2006 till 2012 and reprise in 2021. 

“We’re deeply saddened by the lack of Eric Dane,” ABC and twentieth Tv, which produces “Gray’s Anatomy,” mentioned in an announcement to CBS Information. “His outstanding expertise and unforgettable presence on “Gray’s Anatomy” left a long-lasting impression on audiences world wide, and his braveness and charm throughout his battle with ALS impressed so many. Our hearts are together with his household, mates, and colleagues, in addition to the various followers whose lives had been touched by his work.”  

In 2019, he did a whole 180 and have become Cal Jacobs, a troubled married man, in HBO’s provocative drama “Euphoria,” a job he continued in up till his loss of life.

“We’re deeply saddened by the information of Eric Dane’s passing,” an HBO spokesperson informed CBS Information in an announcement. “He was extremely proficient and HBO was lucky to have labored with him on three seasons of Euphoria. Our ideas are together with his family members throughout this troublesome time.”

Sam Levinson, creator of “Euphoria,” mentioned in an announcement he was “heartbroken by the lack of our expensive good friend Eric.”

“Working with him was an honor. Being his good friend was a present,” Levinson mentioned. “Eric’s household is in our prayers. Might his reminiscence be for a blessing.”

Dane additionally starred as Tom Chandler, the captain of a U.S. Navy destroyer at sea after a worldwide disaster worn out many of the world’s inhabitants, within the TNT drama “The Final Ship.” In 2017, manufacturing was halted as Dane battled melancholy. 

Dane grew to become an advocate for ALS consciousness, talking at a information convention in Washington on medical insurance prior authorization. 

“A few of you might know me from TV exhibits, similar to ‘Gray’s Anatomy,’ which I play a physician. However I’m right here at present to talk briefly as a affected person battling ALS,” he mentioned in June 2025. In September of that 12 months, the ALS Community named Dane the recipient of their advocate of the 12 months award, recognizing his dedication to elevating consciousness and help for folks dwelling with ALS.

The ALS Affiliation mentioned in an announcement on social media that, “In his last months, (Dane) did not simply combat for himself — he fought for everybody dwelling with ALS and their family members. He advocated for ALS analysis funding, raised consciousness, and by no means stopped. His voice will stick with it. Our hearts exit to his household and mates.”

The nonprofit group I Am ALS, which labored with Dane, mentioned in its personal assertion late Thursday that Dane “introduced humility, humor, and visibility to ALS and reminded the world that progress is feasible after we refuse to stay silent. Eric was greater than a supporter of our mission—he was a part of our household.”

A memoir by Dane is scheduled to be printed later this 12 months: “Ebook of Days: A Memoir in Moments.”

“I need to seize the moments that formed me — the attractive days, the laborious ones, those I by no means took as a right — in order that if nothing else, individuals who learn it’ll bear in mind what it means to reside with coronary heart,” Dane mentioned in an announcement across the guide’s announcement. “If sharing this helps somebody discover that means in their very own days, then my story is value telling.”