Eric Dane, the celebrated actor finest recognized for his roles on “Gray’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria” and who later in life grew to become advocate for ALS consciousness, died Thursday. He was 53.
His representatives stated Dane died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, recognized additionally as Lou Gehrig’s illness, lower than a yr after he introduced his analysis.
“He spent his last days surrounded by pricey associates, his devoted spouse, and his two lovely daughters, Billie and Georgia, who had been the middle of his world,” stated an announcement that requested privateness for his household. “All through his journey with ALS, Eric grew to become a passionate advocate for consciousness and analysis, decided to make a distinction for others dealing with the identical struggle. He will likely be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered at all times. Eric adored his followers and is eternally grateful for the outpouring of affection and help he’s acquired.”
Dane developed a loyal fanbase when his massive break arrived within the mid-2000s: He was solid as Dr. Mark Sloan, aka McSteamy, on the ABC medical drama “Gray’s Anatomy,” a task he would play from 2006 till 2012 and reprise in 2021. In 2019, he did an entire 180 from the charming McSteamy and grew to become the troubled Cal Jacobs in HBO’s provocative drama “Euphoria,” a task he continued in up till his dying.
Dane additionally starred as Tom Chandler, the captain of a U.S. Navy destroyer at sea after a worldwide disaster worn out many of the world’s inhabitants, within the TNT drama “The Final Ship.” In 2017, manufacturing was halted as Dane battled melancholy.
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In April 2025, Dane introduced he had been identified with ALS, a progressive illness that assaults nerve cells controlling muscle mass all through the physique.
ALS progressively destroys the nerve cells and connections wanted to stroll, discuss, converse and breathe. Most sufferers die inside three to 5 years of a analysis.
Dane grew to become an advocate for ALS consciousness, talking a information convention in Washington on medical insurance prior authorization. “A few of it’s possible you’ll know me from TV exhibits, resembling ‘Gray’s Anatomy,’ which I play a physician. However I’m right here at the moment to talk briefly as a affected person battling ALS,” he stated in June 2025. In September of that yr, the ALS Community named Dane the recipient of their advocate of the yr award, recognizing his dedication to elevating consciousness and help for folks dwelling with ALS.
Dane was born on Nov. 9, 1972 and raised in Northern California. His father, a Navy man, died of a gunshot wound when he was 7. After highschool, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue appearing, touchdown visitor roles on exhibits like “Saved by the Bell,” “Married…With Youngsters,” “Charmed” and “X-Males: the Final Stand,” and one season of the short-lived medical drama “Gideon’s Crossing.”
A memoir by Dane is scheduled to be revealed in late 2026. “Ebook of Days: A Memoir in Moments” will likely be launched by Maria Shriver’s The Open Discipline, a Penguin Random Home imprint. In accordance with Open Discipline, Dane will look again upon key moments in his life, from his first day at work on “Gray’s Anatomy” to the births of his two daughters and studying that he had ALS.
“I wish to seize the moments that formed me — the gorgeous days, the arduous ones, those I by no means took without any consideration — in order that if nothing else, individuals who learn it’ll bear in mind what it means to reside with coronary heart,” Dane stated in an announcement across the guide’s announcement. “If sharing this helps somebody discover that means in their very own days, then my story is price telling.”
Dane is survived by his spouse, actor Rebecca Gayheart, and their two teen daughters, Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine. Gayheart and Dane wed in 2004 and separated in September 2017. Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, however later filed to dismiss the petition. In a December essay for New York journal’s The Lower reflecting on Dane’s analysis, Gayheart referred to as their dynamic “a really difficult relationship, one which’s complicated for folks.” She stated they by no means obtained a divorce, however dated different folks and lived individually.
“Our love is probably not romantic, nevertheless it’s a familial love,” she stated. “Eric is aware of that I’m at all times going to need the perfect for him. That I’m going to do my finest to do proper by him. And I do know he would do the identical for me. So no matter I can do or nonetheless I can present as much as make this journey higher for him or simpler for him, I wish to do this.”
© 2026 The Canadian Press
