Eric Dane, Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria star, dies aged 53
Eric Dane has died aged 53, his representatives said, less than a year after he publicly revealed an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis. He died on a Thursday afternoon and had spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his wife Rebecca Gayheart and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.
Eric Dane’s final months: advocacy, fundraising and work
In the months after announcing his diagnosis in April, Eric Dane devoted much of his energy to raising awareness and funding for ALS research. He launched and supported major fundraising efforts, including a three-year campaign begun in September that aimed to secure substantial federal research funding. Campaign activity attributed to his involvement also surpassed a half‑million dollar target during the autumn fundraising push.
Beyond fundraising, Dane took on roles that reflected his experience with the disease. In November he appeared on an episode of a medical drama playing a firefighter coping with an ALS diagnosis; he later described taking on roles close to his personal experience as both challenging and cathartic. He joined the board of directors of an organization focused on ALS research in December and used public remarks to stress the urgency of moving research forward, saying, in recent comments, "I'm trying to save my life. " He also continued working on other projects, filming part of his role in the upcoming third season of Euphoria while using a wheelchair.
Career in context: Grey's Anatomy, Euphoria and screen highlights
Dane became a household name for his portrayal of Dr Mark Sloan, nicknamed "McSteamy, " on the medical drama in which he initially signed for a single episode before becoming a series regular for six seasons. He appeared in 145 episodes of that show between 2006 and 2021. More recently he was seen as Cal Jacobs on Euphoria and he will appear in the forthcoming third season of that series.
His screen work extended across television and film, with early television appearances leading to roles in multiple feature films and long‑running TV projects. He also starred in and produced five seasons of a post‑apocalyptic drama in which he played the captain of a US Navy ship searching for a cure to a global pandemic.
What happened and what comes next
Dane publicly disclosed his ALS diagnosis in April and lived with the disease for the remainder of the year, using his platform to champion research, policy attention and improved care options for people living with motor neurone disease. ALS is a terminal degenerative disorder that leads to progressive loss of muscle function and, ultimately, life. In the wake of his death, those closest to him have asked for privacy.
His final months combined activism, continued creative work and family focus. He leaves behind his wife and two daughters and a body of work that includes long‑running television roles and major film appearances. Tributes from colleagues and collaborators emphasized both his professional contributions and his commitment to using his final months to try to move the needle on a devastating illness.
Timeline (based on public announcements)
- April: Dane publicly revealed an ALS diagnosis.
- September: He helped launch an extended campaign aiming to increase federal research funding for ALS.
- November: He appeared in a medical drama role portraying a character with ALS.
- December: He joined the board of an ALS research organization and helped a campaign surpass a major fundraising milestone.
- Following filming: He completed work for the upcoming third season of Euphoria, having filmed while using a wheelchair.
- Thursday afternoon: Dane died, aged 53; his family requested privacy.
Details may evolve as the family and representatives share more. Recent updates indicate he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones and devoted his closing months to advocacy and fundraising efforts aimed at improving life and research for people with ALS.
