Dane died at 53 on Thursday, Feb. 19, nearly one year after going public with his ALS diagnosis
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NEED TO KNOW
- Eric Dane died on the 20th anniversary of his first appearance as Mark Sloan in Grey’s Anatomy
- Dane played the character, nicknamed “McSteamy,” for seven seasons
- Dane died at 53 after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, on Thursday, Feb. 19
Eric Dane died on the 20th anniversary of his first appearance as Dr. Mark Sloan in Grey's Anatomy.
Dane played his breakthrough role, nicknamed "McSteamy," for seven seasons, with the fan-favorite character exploring a variety of complex relationship dynamics in the high-intensity environment of the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. His character's arc famously ended with a tragic death in a plane crash in the show's ninth season.
Dane died at the age of 53 on Thursday, Feb. 19, PEOPLE confirmed, 10 months after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," the actor's family said in a statement to PEOPLE. "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."
The statement continued, "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."
In the 10 months after Dane went public with his ALS diagnosis, several of his Grey's Anatomy co-stars have spoken about the ways they worked to support him as he learned to live with the disease.
Patrick Dempsey told Parade in a cover interview last month that he still tried to keep in touch with Dane after he received his diagnosis. "I spoke to him a few weeks ago. I’ve been texting with him," Dempsey said before revealing that he tried to have Dane cast in his new thriller Memory of a Killer.
Ellen Pompeo, who starred opposite Dane for years on the hit ABC medical drama, shared that she contacted him as soon as she learned of the diagnosis and was struck by how quickly he responded.
The Golden Globe nominee showed love to her former costar in a pre-taped message at the ALS Network Champions for Cures & Care Gala, which honored him on Jan. 24.
"As soon as I heard about his diagnosis, I texted him, and I said, 'I’m here if you want to speak,' " Pompeo recalled. "And my phone rang 30 seconds later."
In December 2025, Dane made his final public appearance at a virtual panel featuring I AM ALS and Synapticure co-founders Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya for Giving Tuesday.
"We are heartbroken by the passing of our friend Eric Dane—a fierce advocate, a generous spirit, and a true champion in the movement to end ALS," a rep for I AM ALS tells PEOPLE in a statement. "Eric used his platform not for attention, but for action. From the moment he joined I AM ALS, he showed up with courage and conviction, asking how he could use his superpowers to help the movement grow."
Gale Adler/Disney via getty
Dane worked with the organization when he traveled to Washington, D.C. in December 2025 to advocate for the reauthorization of ACT for ALS. "He understood that ALS is not just a diagnosis; it is a call to action for families, for answers, and for change," the rep for I AM ALS added.
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Dane is survived by his daughters, Billie and Georgia, whom he shared with his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart.
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