Actor Eric Dane, known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on the television series “Grey’s Anatomy” and for his role in the HBO series “Euphoria,” passed away Thursday at the age of 53, according to his representative. In April, the actor publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Who Was Eric Dane?
Eric Dane was a well-known American actor, primarily recognized for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan, also known as “McSteamy,” in the medical drama series Grey’s Anatomy. He was appreciated for his presence on screen, acting skills, and later for his fight against ALS. Eric Dane died at the age of 53 after a long battle with the disease.
Eric Dane Death Reason
Eric Dane’s family has confirmed his death to People magazine on Thursday. The actor had announced in 2025 that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive and life-threatening form of neurological disease.
In their statement, his family said, “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS… 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. 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.”
Eric Dane Wife
Eric Dane married actress Rebecca Gayheart in 2004. Their relationship was one of Hollywood’s most enduring yet complex stories; although Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, the proceedings were famously dismissed in March 2025, just one month before Eric’s public ALS announcement. While they lived separately for several years, they remained legally married and deeply connected as co-parents. Gayheart became his primary support system and advocate throughout his final year.
Eric Dane Daughters
Eric Dane was a famously devoted “girl dad.” He shared two daughters with his wife, Rebecca Gayheart: Billie Beatrice Dane and Georgia Geraldine Dane. Billie, the eldest, was named after Eric’s own father. In interviews, Dane often joked about being the only man in a house run by the “estrogen mafia,” frequently expressing that his daughters were the center of his world and his primary motivation during his fight with ALS.
Eric Dane Kids Age
At the time of his passing in February 2026:
Billie Beatrice Dane is 15 years old (born March 3, 2010).
Georgia Geraldine Dane is 14 years old (born December 28, 2011).
Both girls have occasionally appeared on red carpets with their parents and have been praised by Gayheart for their “grace and dignity” while navigating their father’s illness.
Eric Dane ALS Disease
The specific form of the disease Dane battled was Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a rare neurological condition that destroys the motor neurons responsible for voluntary muscle movement. In the final months of his life, the disease progressed to the point where he required a wheelchair for mobility and his voice became noticeably strained. True to his character, he spent his remaining energy advocating for the ACT for ALS Act, meeting with lawmakers to ensure better access to treatments for others.
When was Eric Dane Diagnosed with ALS?
The timeline of Eric Dane’s health journey has been a major point of interest. While he first noticed unusual weakness in his right hand in 2024 which he initially dismissed as “texting fatigue” he officially shared his diagnosis with the world in April 2025. By June of that year, he revealed that the right side of his body had lost function and that he was losing strength in his left arm, highlighting the rapid progression of the disease.
Eric Dane’s Last Role: Will He Be in Euphoria Season 3?
Fans can expect to see the actor one last time in his powerful role as Cal Jacobs. Despite his diagnosis, Dane returned to the set of Euphoria Season 3 in April 2025 and completed his scenes before his health significantly declined. The season is scheduled to premiere on April 12, 2026, and will feature his final performance. Additionally, his guest role on NBC’s Brilliant Minds in late 2025, where he played a patient with ALS, is being remembered as a poignant bridge between his art and his real-life struggle.
Eric Dane Early Life
Eric Dane started his acting career in the early 1990s. His television career began in 1991 with a guest appearance in the popular television show “Saved by the Bell.” In the next few years, he appeared in some of the most popular television shows, including “The Wonder Years,” “Married… with Children,” and “Roseanne.”
Eric Dane Net Worth
Eric Dane, an American actor, had an estimated net worth of $7 million at the time of his death. His total net worth is approximately ₹58 crore to ₹59 crore (INR), which he accumulated from his successful television and film career.
Eric Dane Career Highlights
Eric Dane achieved global recognition when he joined Grey’s Anatomy in 2006. His role as Dr. Mark Sloan quickly made him one of the most popular characters on the show. Dane remained part of the series until 2012 and appeared in nearly 139 episodes, leaving a lasting impact on fans.
In recent years, he gained renewed attention for his role in HBO’s hit drama Euphoria, where he was a main cast member from 2019 onward. He also starred in Amazon Prime’s series Countdown. His final credited television role came in a 2025 episode of NBC’s Brilliant Minds, where he portrayed a character living with ALS mirroring his real-life struggle.
Eric Dane and ALS Awareness Work
Since making his diagnosis public, Eric Dane has dedicated himself to raising awareness for the disease. In December, he joined the board of directors for Target ALS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating research and finding new treatment options.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, impacts nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness and a loss of motor function. As the disease progressed, Dane used a wheelchair for mobility.
Eric Dane Legacy
Eric Dane leaves behind a powerful legacy as a successful television star, a devoted family man, and a determined ALS advocate. From iconic roles on Grey’s Anatomy to his impactful work raising awareness for a life-threatening illness, he will be remembered not only for his talent but also for his strength and compassion.
