New Delhi: American actor Eric Dane, 53, has died following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In April 2025, Dane revealed that he was diagnosed with the disease and had started experiencing early symptoms of deterioration. In an interview with Good Morning America in June, he revealed that he only had “one functioning arm”.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” read the statement by his family. “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the centre of his world.”
The statement highlighted Dane’s efforts to raise awareness about the motor neurone disease (MND), adding that he was “determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight”.
Born in San Francisco, California, Dane was best known for his role as Dr Mark Sloan in ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. Fans of the show gave him the moniker “McSteamy”. His latest role was as Cal Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria.
Dane started his journey in Hollywood by playing small roles in television series such as Saved by the Bell, The Wonder Years, and Charmed. He made his film debut in the 2000 feature film, The Basket, directed by Rich Cowan. He also appeared in films such as X-Men: The Last Stand, Valentine’s Day, and Wedding Wars.
He married actor Rebecca Gayheart in 2004. He is survived by his two daughters, whose custody he shared with Gayheart.
Following the news of his death, social media was flooded with posts remembering the actor. Dane’s Grey’s Anatomy co-star Kevin McKidd shared a picture of him as McSteamy on his Instagram story with the caption “Rest in Peace, Buddy”.
“I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. Working with him was an honour. Being his friend was a gift,” Euphoria creator Sam Levinson told Deadline.
Several fan edits of the actor in his most memorable roles have also been making the rounds on social media. “Eric Dane wasn’t just a familiar face on our screens, he felt like someone we grew up watching,” one X user posted.
For another, it was hard to articulate the sadness. “Eric Dane had a way of lighting up the screen without even trying,” read the post.
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Struggle with ALS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that destroys motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Over time, the patient suffers from muscle weakness, atrophy, and eventual paralysis. Physicist Stephen Hawking and Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of SpongeBob, also suffered from the disease.
The survival rate for ALS is three to five years, though it may vary with each specific case. There is no cure for the disease.
Dane revealed his diagnosis in an exclusive interview with People Magazine. “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter,” he said.
In his Good Morning America interview, Dane said that he would never forget those three letters—ASL—and that they changed everything for him.
“In my heart, I don’t feel like this is the end for me… I’m fighting as much as I can. There’s so much about it that’s out of my control.”
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)