Eric Dane, Star of "Grey's Anatomy," Passes Away at 53

American actor Eric Dane, renowned for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on the television series "Grey's Anatomy" as well as his part in "Euphoria," has died at the age of 53, as confirmed by People magazine.

His passing comes nearly a year after publicly revealing his diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease also referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease.

According to reports, Dane passed away on Thursday, February 19.

A Brave Battle Against ALS

In a statement, his family shared that Eric faced the disease with courage and spent his final days surrounded by his closest loved ones: his wife and daughters, Billie and Georgia, whom he considered the center of his life.

They also noted his active involvement in raising awareness and promoting research on ALS during his battle with the illness. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time.

From Tragic Beginnings to a Passion for Acting

Born in San Francisco in 1972, Eric Dane's early life was marked by tragedy. At the age of seven, his father was killed in a shooting, a loss that profoundly affected him.

His interest in acting surfaced unexpectedly during his school years, when he participated in a theater production of "All My Sons." This experience ignited an immediate passion for performance.

After graduating, Dane moved to Los Angeles with limited financial resources to pursue acting.

Early Roles and Rise to Fame

Before becoming a household name, Dane appeared in guest roles on TV shows such as "Saved by the Bell," "The Wonder Years," "Roseanne," and "Married... with Children." He also had a recurring role on "Gideon's Crossing" and spent two seasons on "Charmed." His film debut came in 2000 with "The Basket."

The pivotal moment in his career occurred in 2006 when he joined the second season of "Grey’s Anatomy" as Mark Sloan. Initially a supporting role, his character quickly became a series regular due to audience response.

Sloan, nicknamed "McSteamy," emerged as one of the series' most popular figures, known for romantic storylines and a seductive image that turned him into a sex symbol. Dane later expressed his dedication to the character's artistic portrayal, though he intended to avoid being typecast. He left the show in 2012 when his character was written out.

In later interviews, Dane suggested his departure was not entirely voluntary, hinting at network decisions amid his own struggles with addiction. He noted show creator Shonda Rhimes' understanding during that time.

New Ventures and Personal Milestones

After "Grey’s Anatomy," Dane starred in "The Last Ship" from 2014 to 2018, playing Admiral Tom Chandler. He later took on the role of Cal Jacobs in "Euphoria," a complex character whose personal life starkly differed from his public persona.

In film, Dane appeared in movies like "Marley & Me," "Valentine's Day," "Burlesque," "American Carnage," and "Bad Boys: Ride or Die."

On a personal note, Dane married actress Rebecca Gayheart in 2004, and the couple welcomed two daughters in 2010 and 2011.

Throughout his life, Dane spoke openly about his struggles with depression and entering rehabilitation for a prescription painkiller addiction following a sports injury.

In 2018, Gayheart filed for divorce, but in March 2025, she requested to dismiss the proceedings.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Transparency

Following his ALS diagnosis announcement in 2025, Dane embraced a new public role as an advocate for ALS awareness.

As stated in the communication following his death, he dedicated his final months to advancing research and support for those affected by the disease.

Eric Dane leaves behind a legacy in both television and film, characterized by memorable roles that captivated audiences and a personal life shared candidly with the public.