Eric Dane, the actor whose television career spanned charming heartthrob roles and complex dramatic turns, has died at 53 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Best known to millions as Dr. Mark Sloan on the long running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, Dane became a defining face of primetime television in the mid 2000s. His character, nicknamed McSteamy by fans, quickly developed into a central figure on the series. Though the character was ultimately written off following a plane crash storyline, his presence continued to echo through the show, even influencing the name of the fictional hospital.
In 2025, Dane revealed he had been diagnosed with ALS, a progressive neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for muscle movement. The condition gradually robs patients of their ability to walk, speak and breathe, and most survive only a few years after diagnosis. Rather than retreat from public life, Dane used his platform to raise awareness, speaking candidly about the physical and emotional toll of the illness and the challenges patients face navigating insurance and treatment approvals. His advocacy efforts earned him formal recognition from the ALS Network later that year.
Dane’s career was marked by reinvention. After cementing his status as a charismatic television star, he pivoted sharply in 2019 with a raw and unsettling performance as Cal Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria. The role showcased a darker, more layered side of his talent and introduced him to a new generation of viewers.
He also led the TNT drama The Last Ship as a naval captain navigating a post apocalyptic global crisis. Production on the series was briefly paused in 2017 as Dane sought treatment for depression, a struggle he addressed publicly in later years.
Born in Northern California in 1972, Dane experienced profound loss early in life when his father died during his childhood. After high school, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, gradually building his resume with guest appearances on popular television series before landing his breakout role. His early credits reflected persistence and range, paving the way for the stardom that followed.
In addition to his television work, Dane was preparing to share his personal story in a memoir set for publication in 2026. The book was described as a reflection on pivotal moments in his life, from career milestones to fatherhood and his experience with ALS.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters. Though the couple experienced periods of separation, Gayheart publicly described their bond as deeply familial and rooted in mutual care and respect.
Eric Dane leaves behind a body of work that spans decades and genres, as well as a final chapter defined not only by illness, but by advocacy, resilience and devotion to family.