Eric Dane, "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria" Star, Dies at 53
Actor Eric Dane, known for his roles as Dr. Mark Sloan in "Grey's Anatomy" and Cal Jacobs in "Euphoria," died on Thursday at the age of 53. His representatives confirmed the cause of death as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a diagnosis he publicly announced in April 2025. Dane had become an advocate for ALS awareness and research following his diagnosis.
Death and Circumstances
Eric Dane passed away less than a year after his public ALS diagnosis. He spent his final days with his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine. His representatives released a statement requesting privacy for the family during this period.
ALS Diagnosis and Advocacy
Dane publicly revealed his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis in April 2025. Following this, he swiftly became an advocate for ALS awareness and research. In June 2025, he spoke on Good Morning America about the daily impact of the disease and participated in a news conference in Washington regarding health insurance prior authorization for ALS patients.
In January, Dane was scheduled to be honored as Advocate of the Year by the ALS Network at their Champions for Cures and Care Gala. Due to his health condition, attributed to "the physical realities of ALS," he was unable to attend in person. Fellow actor Aaron Lazar accepted the award on his behalf.
"Dane dedicated his 'Advocate of the Year' honor to his family, individuals fighting ALS, caregivers, and advocates."
Dane appeared via a pre-taped message to accept the honor, dedicating it to his family, individuals fighting ALS, caregivers, and advocates. He also acknowledged the ALS Network's role in uniting care and research.
During the filming of the upcoming third season of 'Euphoria', Dane utilized a wheelchair due to his health. In April, following his diagnosis announcement, he commented on his ability to continue working.
Career Overview
Born in San Francisco in 1972, Eric Dane began his acting career in 1991 with an appearance on 'Saved by the Bell'. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan, known as 'McSteamy,' on the ABC medical drama "Grey's Anatomy," where he was a series regular for six seasons between 2006 and 2012, appearing in 135 episodes. His character's narrative included a reprisal in 2021 and the renaming of Seattle Grace Hospital to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital following his character's death.
From 2019 until his death, Dane portrayed Cal Jacobs in the HBO series "Euphoria." He also starred as Captain Tom Chandler in the TNT drama "The Last Ship" for five seasons, a series he also produced.
His early career included roles in television shows such as 'The Wonder Years,' 'Married … With Children,' 'Charmed,' 'Roseanne,' and 'Gideon’s Crossing.' His film credits include 'X-Men: The Last Stand,' 'Marley & Me,' and 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die.'
A memoir by Dane, titled "Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments," is scheduled for release in late 2026 by Maria Shriver's The Open Field imprint. The book is expected to cover significant life events, including his time on "Grey's Anatomy," the births of his daughters, and his ALS diagnosis.
Personal Life
Eric Dane is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine. The couple married in 2004. They separated in 2017, and a divorce petition filed by Gayheart in 2018 was later dismissed. They maintained separate residences.
About Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of motor neurone disease. It is a terminal degenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of muscle control, affecting the ability to use limbs, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe independently.
There is currently no known cure for ALS.
"The average life expectancy after an ALS diagnosis is approximately 27 months, though some individuals live for decades with slower-progressing forms."
In North America, ALS is also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease.