Eric Dane, Grey’s Anatomy’s ‘McSteamy’ and ‘Euphoria’ Star, Dies at 53 After ALS Battle

Actor Eric Dane, best known for his roles as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy and Cal Jacobs on Euphoria, has died at the age of 53 on February 19, his family confirmed, as reported by People.

He passed away less than a year after revealing he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," the statement from his family read as quoted by People.

"He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world. Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight," the statement added.

"He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he's received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time," the statement read.

Dane was diagnosed with ALS in 2025 and went public with the condition in April that year. A rare degenerative disease, ALS gradually robs people of muscle control, speech, and, in time, the ability to breathe.

It affects the nerve cells in the brain and spine that control muscle movement, causing patients to slowly lose their ability to speak, eat, walk and breathe independently.

He spoke about the illness last year, and said, “I have one functioning arm,” he said. “My right side has completely stopped working.”

When the world learned that Eric Dane was living with ALS, the news did not feel distant. It felt personal. This was the man whose smile once lit up hospital hallways on our screens, whose characters carried charm, pain, and humanity. And suddenly, the story was no longer scripted.

How did Eric Dane’s early life and acting journey begin?

Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane grew up in the Bay Area, attending Sequoia High School in Redwood City and San Mateo High School in San Mateo.

After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, reported Variety. His father died by suicide when Dane was seven years old.

He made his television debut in 1993 on The Wonder Years and went on to play bit parts on series such as Saved by the Bell, Roseanne, and Married... with Children before landing a recurring role as Dr. Wyatt Cooper on Gideon's Crossing in 2000.

That same year, he made his film debut in Rich Cowan's The Basket. His film credits later included Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane, Sol Goode, Feast, X-Men: The Last Stand, Marley & Me, Valentine's Day and Burlesque, along with a starring role in Open Water 2.

Dane also played Jason Dean for two seasons on The WB's Charmed and Captain Tom Chandler on Michael Bay's The Last Ship, which ran from 2014 through 2019.

How did Eric Dane become iconic as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy?

In 2005, he made his first guest appearance as Dr. Mark Sloan on a Season 2 episode of Grey's Anatomy. The character became so well received that he was promoted to a regular in the following season and remained until he was written off in Season 8.

He later appeared in two Season 9 episodes and reprised the role once more, 19 years later, in the Season 17 episode 'Breathe'.

For many viewers, Dane was synonymous with the charismatic and confident Dr. Mark Sloan, also known as "Dr McSteamy".

In 2019, he began portraying Cal Jacobs, the secretly bisexual father of Nate Jacobs, played by Jacob Elordi, on Euphoria, appearing in 12 episodes across the show's first two seasons and reprising the role for the third season.

His later television credits also included Wedding Wars, Wireless, Countdown and Kabul, while his final film performances included Borderline, Into the Beautiful and Family Secrets.

How did Eric Dane advocate for ALS awareness after his diagnosis?

After going public with his diagnosis, Dane became an advocate for ALS awareness, working with I Am ALS on legislation and fundraising.

Last summer, he told ABC network's Good Morning America that his diagnosis made him "angry".

"Because, you know, my father was taken from me when I was young," he told the programme.

"And now, you know, there's a very good chance I'm going to be taken from my girls while they're very young".

He is survived by his wife, actress and model Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia.

In December, it was announced that the actor would publish a memoir in 2026 about living with ALS.

"If sharing this helps someone find meaning in their own days, then my story is worth telling.”

Rest in peace, McSteamy.