The film world bids farewell to Eric Dane, the American actor who gained international fame for his role as plastic surgeon Mark Sloan in the iconic series 'Grey's Anatomy'. The artist died on Thursday, February 19, 2026, after a ten-month battle with an incurable nervous system disease. His family announced his death, emphasizing his courage in raising awareness about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Battle with ALS

Eric Dane died on February 19, 2026 after a nearly year-long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which was diagnosed in him in April 2025.

Support from Stars

In his final months, the actor could count on the help of Johnny Depp, who made his home available to him, and Patrick Dempsey, who maintained constant contact with him.

Legacy in Grey's Anatomy

As Mark Sloan, Dane appeared in 10 seasons of the production, transforming the character from a superficial surgeon into one of the series' deepest protagonists.

The death of Eric Dane has caused profound shock in Hollywood and among millions of fans of the series 'Grey's Anatomy' worldwide. The actor passed away at the age of 53 due to complications related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which he had suffered from since spring 2025. Dane, nicknamed by fans as 'McSteamy', portrayed the character of Dr. Mark Sloan for eight seasons, becoming one of the most recognizable sex symbols of modern television. In his final days, the actor was supported by his family and closest friends. Patrick Dempsey, who played the role of Derek Shepherd, described his colleague's final moments in an emotional interview, recalling that Dane, despite immense difficulties with movement and speech, maintained a cheerful spirit until the end. The media also revealed that Johnny Depp made his Los Angeles residence available to his ailing colleague to financially support him during the costly treatment process. The actor's wife, Rebecca Gayheart, despite earlier divorce plans, decided to withdraw the petition from the state treasury to care for her husband until the end. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease or Charcot's disease, became widely known to the public in 2014 thanks to the global 'Ice Bucket Challenge', which raised funds for drug research. The death of Eric Dane occurred just days after the passing of another 90s idol, James Van Der Beek, which for many fans marks a painful end of an era in pop culture. The series creator Shonda Rhimes announced that the production will pay tribute to the late actor in an upcoming episode of 'Grey's Anatomy'. Dane is survived by two daughters: Billie and Georgia. Fundraisers supporting ALS patients saw a sharp increase in donations after the artist's family made the news public. „He was forced to bed and found it very difficult to swallow. The quality of his life was deteriorating at a shocking speed. I want to remember him as the funniest man, such a joy to work with.” — Patrick Dempsey

Mentioned People

  • Eric Dane — Deceased actor, star of the series Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria.
  • Patrick Dempsey — Actor, close friend of the deceased, who played the role of Derek Shepherd.
  • Johnny Depp — Actor who supported Dane during his illness by making his home available to him.
  • Rebecca Gayheart — Eric Dane's wife, who cared for him until the end of his life.