Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane dies at 53, nearly one year after ALS diagnosis
Eric Dane, who starred as Mark Sloan — or “McSteamy” to fans — on the long-running television show “Grey’s Anatomy,” has died at 53. The news comes just 10 months after Dane was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Dane’s family confirmed his death with People, saying “with heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS.”
Dane gained prominence from “Grey’s Anatomy” on ABC, where he appeared from 2006 to 2012, with a guest appearance reprising his role in 2021. He also starred in HBO’s “Euphoria,” portraying Cal Jacobs in seasons one and two.
Most recently, he made a guest appearance on NBC’s “Brilliant Minds,” playing a heroic firefighter diagnosed with ALS, the disease that Dane was battling in real life. It was his first on-screen role since revealing his diagnosis.
ALS diagnosis
Dane announced in April 2025 that he had been diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The progressive, degenerative disease affects nerve cells and typically leads to muscle paralysis.
Medications can slow the process, but the disease has no cure. Patients often lose their ability to speak, eat, walk and breathe independently. However, Dane said he wasn’t going to let the diagnosis stop him from doing what he loved: acting.
“I’m fairly limited in what I can do physically as an actor, but I still have my brain, and I still have my speech,” Dane said in December. “I’m grateful that I can still work in any capacity.”
Dane quickly became a vocal advocate for ALS research into a cure.
“I think it’s imperative that I share my journey with as many people as I can, because I don’t feel like my life is about me anymore,” Dane said.
In December 2025, he joined the Target ALS Board of Directors, “deepening his commitment to accelerating ALS research and driving meaningful change for the ALS community,” the organization wrote.
He is survived by two daughters from his marriage to the actress Rebecca Gayheart. The couple separated in 2018.
Early success and addiction
Dane was born Nov. 9, 1972, in San Francisco. He knew he wanted to be an actor when he took part in high school amateur theater, playing Joe Keller in “All My Sons.”
He moved to Los Angeles, where he made his television debut in 1993 on “The Wonder Years.” His early career also included appearances on “Married … with Children,” “Silk Stalkings” and “Roseanne.”
He had a recurring role on “Charmed” and appeared as Dr. Cooper in the medical drama “Gideon’s Crossing” before landing his role on “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2006.
He later departed the show, saying it was not his choice. He struggled with addiction while appearing on the show, he said on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast in 2024.
“I wasn’t the same guy they had hired,” he said. “So I had understood when I was let go.”
Dane added that financial considerations came into play.
“I was starting to become, as most of these actors who have spent significant time on a show, you start to become very expensive for the network,” he said.
In addition to his television work, Dane appeared in films like “Burlesque,” “Marley & Me” and “Valentine’s Day.” He earned a Screen Actors’ Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2007.
Personal life
Dane remained close to Gayheart after their divorce and spoke proudly of his role as father to their daughters.
“I’m a hands‑on dad … Being a parent is the toughest thing I’ve ever done,” Dane said.
In December 2025, People revealed that Dane was under 24/7 care, with Gayheart stepping in when needed.
She previously described their relationship as “super complicated,” but told People she was “locked in” when it came to dealing with insurance companies and Dane’s home care.
Dane continued to speak out about ALS for months as his health deteriorated.
“I’m not about to concede my purpose to some disease,” he said during a panel discussion in December. “I just am not capable of doing that.”
Love pours in
Immediately following news of Dane’s death, his pat coworkers and friends began sharing tributes on social media.
Kevin McKidd, who plays Owen Hunt on Grey’s Anatomy, and Sarah Drew, who played April Kepner, both shared pictures on their Instagram stories remembering Dane.
Actress Kim Raver, who plays Teddy Altman on the show, shared a post saying, “Eric was a light.”
Patrick Dempsey, who played Dane’s best friend on Grey’s, shared a clip of Dane promoting ALS research and awareness on his Instagram stories.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
