Eric Dane, best known for his role on Grey’s Anatomy, has died.
His family confirmed to PEOPLE that the actor passed away on Thursday at age 53, roughly ten months after he publicly disclosed an ALS diagnosis. In a statement, the family said they were grieving while noting that Dane spent his last days surrounded by close friends, his wife and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia, who he cherished.
The family added that during his illness Dane threw himself into raising awareness and supporting research around ALS, determined to help others facing the same disease. They said he will be deeply missed and fondly remembered, and expressed gratitude for the public’s support while asking for privacy as they grieve.
Dane was born November 9, 1972, in San Francisco. His father died when he was seven after being shot. He has recounted that he first discovered acting in high school: after a shortened water polo season, he agreed to play Joe Keller in a production of All My Sons and quickly developed a passion for performing. After finishing school he relocated to Los Angeles, where he worked steadily while navigating the party scene, picking up guest appearances on series such as Saved by the Bell, The Wonder Years and Married… with Children.
In the early 2000s he had a recurring part on Gideon’s Crossing and appeared in nine episodes of the original Charmed. Dane’s major breakthrough arrived in 2006 when he was cast as Dr. Mark Sloan — nicknamed “McSteamy” — on Grey’s Anatomy. He first showed up in Season 2, became a series regular from Season 3 through the start of Season 9, and his character was later written out after being fatally injured in the Season 8 finale plane crash in 2012. He returned briefly in Season 17 in 2021 as part of a dream sequence involving Meredith Grey during the COVID storyline.
In April 2025 Dane went public with a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, in an interview with PEOPLE. ALS is a progressive neurological disorder that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually robbing people of muscle control, according to the Mayo Clinic. In the months after his announcement Dane spoke openly about his experience with the disease, visibly emotional in a conversation with Diane Sawyer, and expressing hope that his life still had chapters ahead.
Even as his health declined, Dane kept working. He appeared in the short-lived Prime Video drama Countdown and completed filming for the third season of Euphoria, which premiered in April on HBO and HBO Max, returning to the role of Cal Jacobs. He also shot a guest part on the NBC medical drama Brilliant Minds, playing a firefighter grappling with an ALS diagnosis. Creator Michael Grassi praised Dane’s presence on set, calling him an exceptional actor who brought energy, generosity and a joyful spirit to the production, and saying the collaboration was an unforgettable one.
Dane’s film and television credits also include Kabul, Borderline, One Fast Move, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Dangerous Waters, The Last Ship, Grey Lady, Burlesque, Valentine’s Day, Marley & Me and Wedding Wars. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie and Georgia.
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