Eric Dane, the actor known for his roles in Euphoria and Grey’s Anatomy, has died. He was 53.
Following the actor’s ALS diagnosis, which he has opened up about over the past year, his family announced that he died on Thursday.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” they 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 family 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.”
Last April, Dane announced his diagnosis, noting that he was “able to continue working” and “looking forward to returning” to his role as Cal Jacobs on Season 3 of HBO’s Euphoria, which filmed last year.
Sandra Oh, Ellen Pompeo and Eric Dane in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (Gale Adler/ABC/Courtesy Everett Collection)
Dane continued working through his disease, for which he raised awareness in a guest spot on Brilliant Minds, playing a patient with ALS.
“I wake up every day and I’m immediately reminded that this is happening,” he said on Good Morning America. “It’s not a dream. I don’t think this is the end of my story. I don’t feel like this is the end of me.”
Born Nov. 9, 1972 in San Francisco, Dane made his onscreen debut in a 1991 episode of Saved by the Bell, also appearing in episodes of The Wonder Years, Married… with Children, Roseanne, Charmed and Las Vegas.
Eric Dane and Jacob Elordi in ‘Euphoria’
Dane’s breakout role came as Dr. Mark ‘McSteamy’ Sloan on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, appearing on the Shondaland medical drama from 2006 to 2012.
He also appeared in films like X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), Marley & Me (2008), Burlesque (2010), Americana (2023) and Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)
Dane is survived by actress wife Rebecca Gayheart and their two daughters.