Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Euphoria’ star, has died at 53

By MARIA SHERMAN

Eric Dane, the celebrated actor greatest identified for his roles on “Gray’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria” and who later in life grew to become an advocate for ALS consciousness, died Thursday. He was 53.

His representatives stated Dane died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, identified additionally as Lou Gehrig’s illness, lower than a 12 months after he introduced his analysis.

“He spent his closing days surrounded by expensive pals, his devoted spouse, and his two stunning daughters, Billie and Georgia, who had been the middle of his world,” stated a press release that requested privateness for his household. “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 struggle. He can be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered all the time. Eric adored his followers and is endlessly grateful for the outpouring of affection and assist he’s acquired.”

Dane developed a faithful fanbase when his large break arrived within the mid-2000s: He was solid as Dr. Mark Sloan, aka McSteamy, on the ABC medical drama “Gray’s Anatomy,” a task he would play from 2006 till 2012 and reprise in 2021.

Though his character was killed off on the present after a airplane crash, Dane’s character left an indelible mark on the still-running present: Seattle Grace Hospital grew to become Gray Sloan Memorial Hospital.

In 2019, he did an entire 180 from the charming McSteamy and have become the troubled Cal Jacobs in HBO’s provocative drama “Euphoria,” a task he continued in up till his demise.

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

In April 2025, Dane introduced he had been identified with ALS, a progressive illness that assaults nerve cells controlling muscle mass all through the physique.

ALS progressively destroys the nerve cells and connections wanted to stroll, discuss, communicate and breathe. Most sufferers die inside three to 5 years of a analysis.

Dane grew to become an advocate for ALS consciousness, talking a information convention in Washington on medical insurance prior authorization. “A few of chances are you’ll know me from TV reveals, resembling ‘Gray’s Anatomy,’ which I play a physician. However I’m right here at this time to talk briefly as a affected person battling ALS,” he stated 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 assist for folks dwelling with ALS.

Dane was born on Nov. 9, 1972, and raised in Northern California. His father, who the actor stated was a Navy veteran and an architect, died of a gunshot wound when Dane was 7. After highschool, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue performing, touchdown visitor roles on reveals like “Saved by the Bell,” “Married…With Kids,” “Charmed” and “X-Males: the Final Stand,” and one season of the short-lived medical drama “Gideon’s Crossing.”

A memoir by Dane is scheduled to be printed in late 2026. “E book of Days: A Memoir in Moments” can be launched by Maria Shriver’s The Open Subject, a Penguin Random Home imprint. Based on Open Subject, Dane’s memoir covers key moments in his life, from his first day at work on “Gray’s Anatomy” to the births of his two daughters and studying that he had ALS.

“I wish to seize the moments that formed me — the attractive days, the onerous ones, those I by no means took without any consideration — in order that if nothing else, individuals who learn it’ll keep in mind what it means to reside with coronary heart,” Dane stated in a press release concerning the ebook. “If sharing this helps somebody discover which means in their very own days, then my story is value telling.”

Dane is survived by his spouse, actor Rebecca Gayheart, and their two teen daughters, Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine. Gayheart and Dane wed in 2004 and separated in September 2017. Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, however later filed to dismiss the petition. In a December essay for New York journal’s The Reduce reflecting on Dane’s analysis, Gayheart known as their dynamic “a really sophisticated relationship, one which’s complicated for folks.” She stated they by no means acquired a divorce, however dated different folks and lived individually.

“Our love might not be romantic, nevertheless it’s a familial love,” she stated. “Eric is aware of that I’m all the time going to need the most effective for him. That I’m going to do my greatest to do proper by him. And I do know he would do the identical for me. So no matter I can do or nonetheless I can present as much as make this journey higher for him or simpler for him, I wish to try this.”