Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star, Dies at 53 After ALS Battle

Eric Dane, the acclaimed actor recognized for his roles as Dr. Mark Sloan in “Grey’s Anatomy” and Cal Jacobs in “Euphoria,” has died at the age of 53, less than a year after publicly revealing his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Dane’s family confirmed his passing on Thursday afternoon, February 19, 2026, following a courageous battle with the neurodegenerative disease.

His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from Hollywood colleagues and fans alike, who not only mourn his loss but also celebrate his unwavering dedication to raising awareness and funds for ALS research in the final months of his life. Dane transformed his personal struggle into a powerful platform, advocating for a cure and inspiring countless others.

Eric Dane’s Legacy: Performance and ALS Advocacy

Born in San Francisco in 1972, Eric Dane embarked on his acting career with a television debut in “The Wonder Years” in 1993, though he also appeared in “Saved by the Bell” in 1991. He rose to prominence as Dr. Mark Sloan, affectionately known as “Dr. McSteamy,” on ABC’s hit medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” a role that cemented his status as a television heartthrob and a staple in pop culture. More recently, Dane garnered critical acclaim for his portrayal of the complex family patriarch Cal Jacobs in HBO’s teen drama “Euphoria.” He also starred in “Charmed,” “The Last Ship,” and appeared in films such as “Marley & Me,” “Valentine’s Day,” “Burlesque,” and “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.”

Dane publicly shared his ALS diagnosis in April 2025 and quickly became a prominent voice in the fight against the disease. His advocacy efforts included joining the board of directors for Target ALS, an organization dedicated to finding effective treatments and a cure, where he helped a campaign surpass a fundraising goal of $500,000. In November, he drew on his personal experience to portray a firefighter struggling with an ALS diagnosis in an episode of NBC’s medical drama “Brilliant Minds.” Earlier this month, Time magazine recognized his significant contributions by naming him one of its 100 most influential people in health for his advocacy work. He also engaged with policymakers, speaking to Representative Eric Swalwell about continuing the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act.

Despite his deteriorating health, Dane continued to work, filming scenes for the upcoming third season of “Euphoria” from a wheelchair. He was also preparing to publish his memoir, “Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments,” later this year with Maria Shriver’s publishing imprint, the Open Field, further solidifying his commitment to sharing his journey and raising awareness.

Tributes Highlight Eric Dane’s Impact and Spirit

News of Dane’s passing was met with an immediate outpouring of tributes from his former co-stars and industry colleagues. Patrick Dempsey, who played Dr. Derek Shepherd on “Grey’s Anatomy,” described Dane as “a joy to work with,” praising his humor and intelligence. “He was the funniest man – he was such a joy to work with and I want to just remember him in that spirit because any time he was on set, he brought so much fun to it. He had a great sense of humour,” Dempsey told Virgin Radio. Kim Raver, who plays Dr. Teddy Altman, recalled his “twinkle in his eye” and “perfect comedic timing.” Kevin McKidd, who portrays Owen Hunt, posted a simple yet heartfelt “rest in peace buddy” on Instagram.

Sam Levinson, creator of “Euphoria,” expressed his heartbreak, stating, “Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift.” Alyssa Milano, his co-star on “Charmed,” shared a poignant message on Instagram, highlighting his deep love for his daughters, Billie and Georgia, and his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, stating that “When it came to his daughters and Rebecca, everything in him softened.” Ashton Kutcher, who worked with Dane in “Valentine’s Day,” urged continued efforts to find a cure for ALS: “Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS.” Nina Dobrev, his co-star in “Redeeming Love,” remembered him as warm, generous, and passionate, emphasizing that “ALS is a cruel and unforgiving disease. May his memory inspire more research, awareness, and progress toward a cure.”

Understanding ALS and Dane’s Personal Battle

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rare and progressive neurodegenerative condition that damages nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles. It leads to progressive paralysis, eventually affecting the ability to speak, swallow, and breathe independently. While there is currently no cure, and patients typically live for three to five years after diagnosis, some can live for decades. Dane’s public battle brought significant attention to the urgent need for research and effective treatments.

Dane’s personal life was marked by both professional success and personal challenges. He was married to actress Rebecca Gayheart, with whom he had two daughters. Gayheart had filed for divorce in 2018, but the filing was dismissed in March 2025. Dane openly discussed his struggles, including a battle with depression that led to a hiatus from his show “The Last Ship” in 2017, and the profound impact of losing his father to suicide at a young age. He spoke candidly about his anger following his ALS diagnosis, fearing he would be taken from his daughters too soon, mirroring his own childhood experience.

Eric Dane’s decision to openly share his ALS diagnosis and actively advocate for research in his final months transcended his celebrity, transforming him into a powerful symbol of resilience and hope for many affected by the disease. His public engagement and willingness to portray a character battling ALS underscored the human toll of the condition, leaving a lasting impact on both the entertainment industry and the global health community.