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Eric Dane, the actor 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. His death, following a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), was announced on Thursday, February 19, 2026, less than a year after he publicly revealed his diagnosis. The loss marks a poignant moment for fans and colleagues alike, as Dane had become a vocal advocate for ALS awareness and research during his final months.
Dane’s diagnosis, made public in April 2025, brought immediate attention to the devastating neurodegenerative disease, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He continued working, completing filming on the third season of Euphoria shortly after receiving the news, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to his craft even as his health declined. ALS is a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually, death. There is currently no cure.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” Dane’s family shared in a statement. “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.”
Born Eric William Dane on November 9, 1972, in San Francisco, California, he discovered his passion for acting during a high school production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons, according to his Wikipedia entry. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting, initially taking on smaller roles in television series such as Married… With Children, Saved by the Bell, and Roseanne.
Dane’s career gained momentum with recurring roles in Gideon’s Crossing and later, Charmed, establishing him as a familiar face on television. However, it was his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan, affectionately known as “Dr. McSteamy,” on Grey’s Anatomy beginning in 2006 that catapulted him to widespread recognition. He remained a central figure on the medical drama until 2012, and briefly reprised the role in 2021, according to the BBC. The show’s enduring popularity ensured his continued presence in popular culture through reruns and syndication.
In more recent years, Dane took on the complex role of Cal Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria. His performance as the seemingly perfect patriarch harboring a hidden life garnered critical acclaim. Variety’s Daniel D’Addario described Dane as “simply spectacular” in the role in 2022, highlighting a Cal Jacobs-centered episode as a standout moment for the series.
Dane himself spoke candidly about the challenges and resonance of portraying Cal Jacobs, telling Vanity Fair in 2022, “I don’t understand what it’s like to be Cal, but I know what it’s like to live a double life. I’ve had my own experience with drug and alcohol abuse. That’s a double life.”
Beyond his television work, Dane also appeared in several films, including X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), Marley & Me (2008), Valentine’s Day (2010), Burlesque (2010), and Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024), as noted in his biography.
Eric Dane is survived by his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. His legacy extends beyond his on-screen performances, encompassing his recent advocacy for ALS research and awareness. The entertainment industry and his devoted fans mourn the loss of a talented actor who faced his final challenge with courage and grace.
As the third season of Euphoria prepares for release, Dane’s final performance will undoubtedly serve as a powerful reminder of his artistry and dedication. His commitment to raising awareness for ALS will continue to inspire efforts to find a cure for this devastating disease.
We encourage you to share your memories of Eric Dane and his work in the comments below.
