Eric Dane, Star of 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Euphoria,' Dies at 53

Actor Eric Dane, who captured the hearts of television audiences for decades with his undeniable charm and commanding screen presence, has passed away at the age of 53. His publicist confirmed Thursday afternoon that Dane died after a courageous battle with ALS, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's Disease. He was surrounded by his wife, his two daughters, Billie and Georgia, and close friends in his final days.

"He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always," his publicist's statement read, noting that Dane had adored his fans and was grateful for the enormous wave of love and support he received following his diagnosis.

The Long Road to Leading Man

Dane's career in entertainment stretched back to the early 1990s, when he began picking up guest appearances on popular TV shows, including The Wonder Years and Roseanne. Those early credits eventually gave way to more significant work, including a multi-episode run on Gideon's Crossing and a notable role as Jason Dean on Charmed in 2003.

Seattle Grace and the Making of an Icon

But it was in 2006 that everything changed. That year, Dane joined the cast of Shonda Rhimes' smash hit Grey's Anatomy on ABC, stepping into the role of Dr. Mark Sloan, a gifted and impossibly attractive plastic surgeon. The character quickly earned the nickname "McSteamy" from fans, and the label stuck far beyond the walls of the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital.

Dane remained a central part of Grey's Anatomy from season three through season nine, when his character was written off after dying from injuries sustained in a plane crash. He returned briefly in 2021 for the show's 17th season, joining a wave of beloved characters who came back for a memorable reunion.

In a 2022 interview on SiriusXM's Jess Cagle Show, Dane looked back on that era of his life with warmth and a touch of humor. He described it as "a magical time," acknowledging that being known as McSteamy was something he never fully got comfortable with, though he laughed that it may have only been the third time he had actually said the nickname out loud.

Actress Kim Raver, who appeared alongside Dane on Grey's, remembered him as someone whose warmth and humor were impossible to miss. She wrote that he had a mischievous spark in his eyes and a gift for comedic timing that could completely floor the people around him on set. "You will be missed," she added simply.

Trading Scrubs for Something Far More Sinister

Dane proved his range far extended beyond the world of medical dramas when he joined the cast of HBO's Euphoria in 2019. He played Cal Jacobs, the deeply conflicted and controlling father of Nate, the show's antagonist, played by Jacob Elordi. It was a darker, more complex role, and Dane delivered a performance that earned widespread praise. He reprised the role in the second season and was set to appear in the show's upcoming third and final season.

Euphoria creator Sam Levinson expressed his grief over the loss, calling working with Dane an honor and saying that their friendship was a gift.

In addition to his television work, Dane also appeared in several major films over the years, including X-Men: The Last Stand, Marley and Me, and Burlesque.

A Father, A Fighter, and a Friend to Many

Dane publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. The disease, which progressively attacks the nerve cells controlling muscle movement throughout the body, currently has no known cure. Rather than retreating from public life, Dane chose to use his platform to fight for others facing the same diagnosis.

He spoke candidly about his experience on Good Morning America, sharing that his first symptom was a weakness in his right hand. Despite the weight of his diagnosis, he remained focused on his family and determined to stay present in his daughters' lives for as long as possible.

In October, he traveled to Washington, D.C. alongside the nonprofit I AM ALS to push for continued federal funding for ALS research. The Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act, passed in 2021, was nearing the end of its funding window, and Dane wanted to help ensure the fight would continue.

"I have two daughters at home. I want to see them graduate college, and get married, and maybe have grandkids," he said during that trip. "I'm going to fight to the last breath on this one."

I AM ALS honored Dane after his passing, praising him as someone who used his visibility not for personal gain, but to create real change for the ALS community.

Eric Dane is survived by his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters Billie and Georgia.