Actor Eric Dane, who was best known for his role in the long-running ABC medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy” and his recent role in HBO’s drama “Euphoria,” has died at 53 after losing his battle with ALS.
The family said in a statement to TMZ, “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. 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. 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. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
The beloved actor passed away Thursday at a Los Angeles hospital with his wife, his daughters, friends and relatives at his bedside.
Dane revealed in April 2025 that he had been battling the degenerative neurological disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
“My left side is functioning; my right side has completely stopped working,” the actor told ABC’s Diane Sawyer in June 2025. He also shared the he was rapidly losing voluntary function in his left arm: “I feel like maybe a couple, few more months and I won’t have my left hand either.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, ALS — known as Lou Gehrig’s disease — is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. As time goes on, things get worse as the disease causes loss of muscle control.
There is no known cure for the disease.
Born on Nov. 9, 1972, in San Francisco, California, Dane made his television debut in a 1991 episode of “Saved by the Bell.”
But his breakout role came when he played plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Sloan in ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” for eight seasons beginning in 2006.
His character was referred to as “McSteamy” on the show by the female characters due to his good looks. The role catapulted him into stardom and he was stamped as a TV heartthrob.
As previously reported, Dane was recently set to be honored with the Advocate of the Year Award at the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care gala in Pasadena on Jan. 24.
But just hours before he was to be honored in person at Saturday’s lavish award ceremony, he dropped out.
The progression of the disease had significantly affected the actor, forcing him to withdraw from the event, unfortunately.
“We remain deeply grateful for his courage, advocacy, and continued commitment to the ALS community,” an ALSN representative said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. “And we honor him fully this evening with our profound respect and support.”