Eric Dane, the actor who rose to global fame as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and later portrayed Cal Jacobs on HBO’s Euphoria, has died at the age of 53, according to a statement issued by his publicist.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” the statement said. It added that he spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his wife Rebecca Gayheart and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia.
Dane publicly disclosed in 2025 that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. According to the ALS Association, the progressive neurodegenerative condition affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and has no known cure.
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From ‘McSteamy’ to complex father figures
Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane began his acting career in the early 1990s with small roles in television series such as The Wonder Years and Roseanne. He later appeared in Gideon’s Crossing and had a recurring role on Charmed in 2003.
His breakthrough came in 2006 when he joined ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Mark Sloan. The charismatic plastic surgeon quickly became a fan favourite, earning the nickname “McSteamy.” Dane remained a central figure on the medical drama from Seasons 3 to 9, until his character died following injuries sustained in a plane crash. He briefly reprised the role in Season 17 in 2021 during a series of high-profile returns.
Reflecting on his time on the show during a 2022 appearance on SiriusXM’s Jess Cagle Show, Dane described it as “a magical time in my life,” adding, “It was a fun show. It was new for us and it was exciting.”
He also built a film resume that included roles in X-Men: The Last Stand, Marley & Me and Burlesque.
In 2019, Dane took on the role of Cal Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria, playing the stern and conflicted father of Nate Jacobs. The performance introduced him to a new generation of viewers. Euphoria creator Sam Levinson said in a statement to CNN that he was “heartbroken” by Dane’s passing. “Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift,” Levinson said.
Actress Kim Raver, his former Grey’s Anatomy co-star, paid tribute on social media, writing that Dane “was a light” whose presence and comedic timing brightened the set.
A public fight against ALS
Dane first spoke publicly about his diagnosis in April 2025. In an interview with ABC’s Good Morning America in June that year, he said the first symptom had been weakness in his right hand.
“At the end of the day, just, all I want to do is spend time with my family and work a little bit if I can,” he said during the interview. “I don’t think this is the end of my story.”
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Following his diagnosis, Dane became an advocate for research and funding related to neurodegenerative diseases. In October, he travelled to Washington, DC with the nonprofit organisation I AM ALS to push for continued federal support as provisions under the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act neared expiration.
I AM ALS said in a statement that it was “heartbroken” by his death, calling him “a fierce advocate, a generous spirit, and a true champion in the movement to end ALS.”
Dane continued working amid his illness, appearing last year in an episode of NBC’s Brilliant Minds, where he portrayed a firefighter living with ALS.
