The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Eric Dane, the charismatic actor best known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria. According to a statement from his publicist, Dane passed away on Thursday afternoon at the age of 53 following a courageous fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
He spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his wife Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia — whom family members described as “the centre of his world.”
A Heartfelt Statement From His Family
In an emotional message shared after his passing, Dane’s family said:
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters.”
The statement also highlighted his strength and determination after his diagnosis in 2025. Rather than retreating from the spotlight, Dane became a passionate advocate for ALS awareness and research.
“He will be deeply missed, and always lovingly remembered,” the statement added. “Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.”
From Early TV Roles to Global Stardom
Eric Dane’s acting career began in the early 1990s with small appearances in popular series such as:
The Wonder Years
Roseanne
He later gained more attention with a multi-episode arc in Gideon’s Crossing and a notable role as Jason Dean in Charmed in 2003.
But it was in 2006 that his life changed forever.
Becoming ‘McSteamy’ on Grey’s Anatomy
Dane shot to international fame when he joined the hit ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy as Dr Mark Sloan.
Joined in Season 3 (2006)
Remained a main character through Season 9
His character tragically died following injuries from a plane crash
Returned briefly in Season 17 (2021) during a nostalgic storyline
His character earned the nickname “McSteamy”, a label that followed him off-screen as well.
In a 2022 interview on SiriusXM’s The Jess Cagle Show, Dane described his time on the show as:
“A magical time in my life… We were on this juggernaut of a television show that was in every country and that everybody watched.”
Although he admitted feeling slightly uncomfortable with the “McSteamy” nickname, he said he loved the cast and cherished the experience.
Tributes Pour In From Co-Stars
Actress Kim Raver, who starred alongside Dane in Grey’s Anatomy, shared a touching tribute:
“Eric was a light. You’d see it effortlessly shine from him on the set… During filming he’d get this twinkle in his eye and, with perfect comedic timing, deliver a line that would floor you.”
She simply ended her tribute with: “You will be missed.”
Meanwhile, Sam Levinson, creator of Euphoria, said he was “heartbroken” by the news.
“Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift.”
Film Career Highlights
While starring in Grey’s Anatomy, Dane also built a strong film career. His movie credits include:
X-Men: The Last Stand
Marley & Me
Burlesque
In 2019, he took on a darker and more complex role as Cal Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria, portraying the strict and troubled father of Nate Jacobs.
He reprised the role in Season 2 and was expected to appear in the upcoming third and final season.
A Brave Fight Against ALS
Dane publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025.
What Is ALS?
ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that:
Affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord
Gradually weakens muscles
Impacts movement, speech, and breathing
Currently has no known cure
According to the ALS Association, the condition progressively damages the motor neurons responsible for muscle control.
“I’m Going to Fight to the Last Breath”
In June 2025, during an emotional interview on Good Morning America, Dane shared that his symptoms began with weakness in his right hand.
Despite the diagnosis, he remained hopeful:
“At the end of the day, all I want to do is spend time with my family and work a little bit if I can. I don’t think this is the end of my story.”
In October, he travelled to Washington, DC with advocacy group I AM ALS to support extended funding for ALS research. He pushed for continued support beyond the five-year funding period outlined in the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act (2021).
The organisation described him as:
“A fierce advocate, a generous spirit, and a true champion in the movement to end ALS.”
While in Washington, Dane shared his deeply personal hopes:
“I have two daughters at home. I want to see them graduate college, get married and maybe have grandkids. I want to be there for all that. So I’m going to fight to the last breath.”
A Lasting Legacy
Eric Dane leaves behind:
His wife, Rebecca Gayheart
His daughters, Billie and Georgia
Decades of unforgettable performances
A powerful legacy of advocacy for ALS awareness
From heartthrob surgeon to complex father figure, Dane brought depth, charm and humanity to every role he played. Beyond the screen, he showed courage and determination in the face of a devastating illness.
His fans across the world will remember him not only as “McSteamy”, but as a devoted family man and a fighter who refused to give up hope.
Sources
Family statement via publicist
Interview on Good Morning America (ABC)
SiriusXM’s The Jess Cagle Show
Statements from I AM ALS
Tribute messages from Kim Raver and Sam Levinson
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