Eric Dane, the celebrated actor best known for his roles as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and Cal Jacobs on HBO’s Euphoria, has died at the age of 53. His representatives confirmed that Dane passed away from complications related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease, less than a year after publicly announcing his diagnosis.
Dane’s death marks a significant loss for the entertainment industry and for the ALS community, where he had become a vocal advocate for research and awareness. A statement released by his representatives described him as being surrounded by loved ones – his wife and two daughters – during his final days. “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,” the statement read. “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.”
Born November 9, 1972, in California, Dane’s early life was marked by tragedy when his father, a Navy veteran, died by gunshot when Eric was just seven years old, according to reports. He pursued acting after high school, landing early roles in television series such as Saved by the Bell, Married… with Children, and Charmed, as well as a part in the film X-Men: The Last Stand. He also appeared in one season of the medical drama Gideon’s Crossing.
Dane achieved widespread recognition in 2006 when he joined the cast of Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Mark Sloan, affectionately known as “McSteamy.” He remained a central figure on the ABC medical drama until 2012, with a reprise appearance in 2021. His portrayal of the charismatic and often complex surgeon earned him a dedicated fanbase and solidified his place in television history.
In 2019, Dane took on a dramatically different role as Cal Jacobs in Euphoria, a provocative HBO drama exploring the complexities of teenage life. He continued to portray Cal until his health began to decline. He also starred as Captain Tom Chandler in the TNT drama The Last Ship, a role that required a temporary production halt in 2017 as Dane addressed personal struggles with depression.
Dane publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, bringing increased attention to the devastating disease. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, progressively destroys the nerve cells responsible for controlling muscle movement, ultimately impacting the ability to walk, speak, and breathe. Most patients diagnosed with ALS live between three to five years, according to the National Public Radio.
Following his diagnosis, Dane became a committed advocate for ALS awareness, speaking at events and raising funds for research. In June 2025, he addressed a conference in Washington, D.C., focusing on health insurance prior authorization, stating, “Some of you may know me from TV shows, such as Grey’s Anatomy, which I play a doctor. But I am here today to speak briefly as a patient battling ALS.” His dedication was recognized in September 2025 when the ALS Network named him their Advocate of the Year.
Prior to his death, Dane was working on a memoir titled Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, scheduled for release in 2026 by Maria Shriver’s The Open Field, an imprint of Penguin Random House. The book promises a reflective look at key moments in his life, from his early days on Grey’s Anatomy to the birth of his daughters and his battle with ALS. “I want to capture the moments that shaped me — the beautiful days, the hard ones, the ones I never took for granted — so that if nothing else, people who read it will remember what it means to live with heart,” Dane said in a statement about the project. “If sharing this helps someone discover meaning in their own days, then my story is worth telling.”
Eric Dane is survived by his wife and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. His legacy extends beyond his on-screen performances to his courageous advocacy and the hope he inspired in the face of a challenging diagnosis. The entertainment community and the ALS community mourn his loss, and his commitment to raising awareness will undoubtedly continue to impact the fight against this devastating disease.
As his memoir approaches publication, Eric Dane’s story will continue to resonate, offering a poignant reminder of the importance of living each day with intention and finding meaning even in the most challenging circumstances.
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