Eric Dane (eric dane) dies at 53 after ALS diagnosis

eric dane has died at 53, less than a year after revealing in April 2025 that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A family statement said he "passed on Thursday afternoon" following a courageous battle with the disease and that he spent his final days surrounded by his wife and two daughters.

Eric Dane's final hours and family statement

The family statement described him as being "lovingly remembered" and "deeply missed, " and said he spent his last days with his devoted wife and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia, "who were the center of his world. " The statement added that he "adored his fans" and was grateful for the outpouring of love and support. The announcement placed his passing on a Thursday afternoon ET.

eric dane's illness and advocacy

Dane revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025 and spent the final months of his life raising awareness for the disease, the most common form of motor neurone disease. ALS is a degenerative condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spine and leads to progressive loss of muscle function; there is no cure and treatment focuses on easing symptoms. Last summer he said the diagnosis had made him "angry, " and he used his platform in the months afterward to bring attention to the illness.

Career highlights and notable roles

Dane was best known for two high-profile television roles: he played Mark Sloan, widely nicknamed McSteamy, on a long-running medical drama, and later portrayed Cal Jacobs on a teen drama series. His Mark Sloan character arrived initially as a one-episode guest role but grew into a major presence, ultimately appearing in an additional 138 episodes. He was part of the medical drama from 2006 until 2012 and later reprised the role in 2021.

Beyond those parts, his credits included roles such as Jason Dean in a fantasy drama series, Captain Tom Chandler in an action drama, and appearances in films including Marley & Me, Valentine’s Day and Burlesque. He made his television debut in 1993 and was born in San Francisco in 1972.

Personal notes and forward look

Dane was married to Rebecca Gayheart and had two daughters. The family statement referenced his devotion to his children and to close friends who kept him company in his final days. His father died by suicide when Dane was seven, a detail he had previously linked to his emotional response to the ALS diagnosis.

His memoir is due to be published later this year; its release will likely attract attention given his recent advocacy work and the timing following his diagnosis and death. If the memoir proceeds as planned, it may further highlight his efforts to raise awareness of ALS and his reflections on his life and career.

Key takeaways

• Eric Dane died at 53, less than a year after publicly revealing an ALS diagnosis in April 2025.
• He spent his final months advocating for ALS awareness and was surrounded by family at the end.
• His career included major roles on a medical drama and a teen drama, plus film credits; a memoir is due later this year.