The film and television world is in mourning following the death of Eric Dane, who passed away on Thursday, February 19, at the age of 53. The actor, known to millions of viewers as Dr. Mark 'McSteamy' Sloan from the series 'Grey's Anatomy,' had been battling an incurable nervous system disease. He passed away surrounded by his closest family and friends, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy and a testament to courage in the fight against progressive muscle paralysis.

Cause of the artist's death

The actor suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which was diagnosed in April 2025.

Final role in Euphoria

Dane completed filming for the third season of the series Euphoria, which will premiere on April 13, 2026.

Support for his orphaned daughters

The actor's loved ones established a fund on GoFundMe to secure the future of his daughters: Billie and Georgia.

American actor Eric Dane has died at the age of 53 after a battle of less than a year with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He received the diagnosis in April 2025, which he publicly disclosed, becoming an ambassador for those suffering from this condition. Despite the progressive disease, which forced him to use a wheelchair, the actor did not give up his professional work. HBO confirmed that Dane managed to film scenes for the third season of the series 'Euphoria,' where he played the role of Cal Jacobs. The premiere of the new episodes, which will be his final on-screen appearance, is scheduled for April 13, 2026. In the face of tragedy, the actor's friends launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe to financially support his two daughters, Billie and Georgia. Although Dane and his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, had been separated since 2018, the actress withdrew her petition for divorce to care for her ailing husband in his final months. Support also came from his colleagues on the set of 'Grey's Anatomy,' including Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo, who highlighted the resilience and class with which Dane endured his suffering. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Charcot's disease, is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that leads to the destruction of motor neurons responsible for muscle function. Medical history has recorded this disease since the 19th century, and its most famous patient was the eminent physicist Stephen Hawking. The artist's death occurred exactly on the 20th anniversary of his joining the cast of ABC's iconic medical drama. The entertainment industry remembers him not only as a talented actor who began his career in series such as 'The Wonder Years' or 'Roseanne,' but above all as a man who, in the face of a terminal diagnosis, was able to maintain dignity and care for others. The Hollywood community, also moved by the recent death of James Van Der Beek, is paying tribute to an artist who became a symbol of the fight for increased funding for research into rare diseases. „If I go, I'm going to go helping someone.” — Eric Dane

Mentioned People

  • Eric Dane — The deceased actor, star of the series Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria.
  • Rebecca Gayheart — The actor's wife, who cared for him during his illness.
  • Patrick Dempsey — Actor, colleague from the Grey's Anatomy cast, who paid public tribute to the deceased.
  • Sam Levinson — Creator of the series Euphoria.