Eric Dane, Star of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Euphoria,’ Dies at 53 After Battle with ALS
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Eric Dane, the actor renowned for his memorable performances on the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy and the HBO series Euphoria, died Thursday at the age of 53 after a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Dane’s representatives confirmed his passing, noting that he spent his final days surrounded by his wife and two daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his life.
Dane’s diagnosis, publicly announced in April 2025, came less than a year before his death. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles, gradually robbing patients of their ability to walk, speak, and breathe. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, most patients live three to five years after diagnosis. Throughout his illness, Dane became a passionate advocate for ALS awareness and research, determined to improve the outlook for others facing the disease.
Born in California in 1972, Dane faced tragedy early in life when his father, a Navy man, died from a gunshot wound when Eric was only seven. After high school, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, landing guest roles on popular shows such as Saved by the Bell, Married…With Children, and Charmed. His breakthrough came in 2006 with his role as Dr. Mark Sloan, affectionately known as “McSteamy,” on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. He played the character until 2012 and reprised it in 2021, earning widespread acclaim.
In 2019, Dane took on a darker role as Cal Jacobs, a complex and troubled father, in HBO’s Euphoria, a performance he continued until his death. He also starred as Tom Chandler, the captain of a U.S. Navy destroyer in TNT’s post-apocalyptic drama The Last Ship. His career was marked by versatility and depth, even as he faced personal challenges, including a public battle with depression in 2017.
Following his ALS diagnosis, Dane used his platform to advocate for patients’ rights and research funding. In June 2025, he spoke at a Washington, D.C. news conference addressing health insurance prior authorization, identifying himself not just as an actor but as a patient living with ALS. His efforts were recognized in September 2025 when the ALS Network honored him with their Advocate of the Year award.
Before his passing, Dane completed a memoir titled Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, set to be published in 2026 by Maria Shriver’s The Open Field, an imprint of Penguin Random House. The memoir reflects on defining moments in his life—from his early days on Grey’s Anatomy to the births of his daughters and confronting his ALS diagnosis. “If sharing this helps someone find meaning in their own days, then my story is worth telling,” Dane said in a statement.
His family has requested privacy during this difficult time. Fans and colleagues alike remember Eric Dane not only for his compelling performances but also for his courage and dedication to making a difference in the fight against ALS. More information about ALS and support resources can be found through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute on Aging.
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