Tributes Pour In as Eric Dane Dies at 53 After Courageous ALS Battle

Eric Dane, widely recognised for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at the age of 53, less than a year after publicly sharing his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Dane was celebrated for portraying Dr Mark Sloan — affectionately known to fans as “Dr McSteamy” — on Grey’s Anatomy, as well as family patriarch Cal Jacobs in Euphoria.

The California-born actor revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025 and spent his final months championing awareness and support for those living with the condition, the most common form of motor neurone disease (MND).

In a statement, his family confirmed he passed away on Thursday afternoon following what they described as a courageous battle with the illness.

Dane is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. His loved ones shared that he spent his final days surrounded by close friends and family.

“He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always,” the statement read, adding that he remained grateful for the support of fans throughout his career.

Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane began his television journey with an appearance in The Wonder Years in 1993. He went on to portray Jason Dean in Charmed and Captain Tom Chandler in The Last Ship, while also appearing in films including Marley & Me, Valentine’s Day, and Burlesque.

Following news of his passing, tributes from colleagues quickly emerged. Patrick Dempsey, who starred alongside him on Grey’s Anatomy, remembered Dane as “a joy to work with,” praising both his humour and his efforts to raise awareness about ALS.

Fellow cast members also paid tribute. Kim Raver recalled his playful wit and impeccable comedic timing on set, while Kevin McKidd shared a simple message of remembrance online.

In his final months, Dane channelled his platform toward advancing public understanding of ALS, leaving behind not only a legacy of memorable performances but also a meaningful contribution to ongoing advocacy efforts.