Actor Eric Dane, best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan (“McSteamy”) on ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” has died at the age of 53 after a battle with ALS.
Dane’s family shared the following statement with PEOPLE: “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.”
Dane shared he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in April 2025, saying at the time, “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.” He later shared with E! News in June 2025: “I feel great when I’m at work. Of course, there have been some sort of setbacks, but I feel pretty good. My spirit is always pretty buoyant, so at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.”
Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane was raised in the Bay Area; after finishing school, he headed to Los Angeles to chase an acting career. Throughout the 1990s, Dane picked up small television roles on series such as “Saved by the Bell,” “The Wonder Years,” “Roseanne,” and “Married… with Children.” His first steady break came in 2000 with a recurring role as Dr. Wyatt Cooper on “Gideon’s Crossing.” In the years that followed, Dane built a diverse résumé, appearing in films including “Zoe,” “Duncan,” “Jack & Jane,” “Sol Goode,” “Feast,” “X-Men: The Last Stand,” and “Marley & Me.” He also led the thriller “Open Water 2” and portrayed Jason Dean for two seasons on The WB’s “Charmed.”
Dane’s career reached new heights when he guest-starred as Dr. Mark Sloan during Season 2 of “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2005. The character quickly became a fan favorite, earning him a full-time spot the following season. Dane remained a series regular through Season 8, returned for two Season 9 episodes, and reprised the role nearly two decades later in Season 17.
Beginning in 2019, Dane took on the complex role of Cal Jacobs, the closeted father of Nate Jacobs (played by Jacob Elordi), in HBO’s “Euphoria.” He appeared in 12 episodes across the first two seasons and later returned for the show’s third.
Dane is survived by his daughters, Billie and Georgia.
Editorial credit: MLM IMAGES Los Angeles / Shutterstock.com