Eric Dane Dead At 53 After ALS Battle

Eric Dane Dead at 53 After ALS Battle
Eric Dane, the American actor best known for his roles as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and Cal Jacobs on Euphoria, has died at the age of 53. His family confirmed he passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026 after a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Dane’s death comes less than a year after he publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025.According to a family statement, Eric Dane spent his final days surrounded by loved ones, including his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. The family asked for privacy as they navigate this difficult time. Dane shot to fame in the mid-2000s with his role as Dr. Mark Sloan, affectionately nicknamed McSteamy, on the long-running ABC drama Grey’s Anatomy. He also earned acclaim for his portrayal of Cal Jacobs on HBO’s hit series Euphoria.
His work extended beyond TV dramas to films and other series, including The Last Ship, Valentine’s Day, Burlesque and X-Men: The Last Stand. Dane publicly disclosed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, revealing he had begun experiencing symptoms the previous
As his condition advanced, he lost use of his right arm and eventually relied on a wheelchair.
Despite his illness, Dane became a vocal advocate for ALS awareness and research, speaking at events and press conferences to push for better care and understanding of the disease. In 2025, he was honored by the ALS Network as Advocate of the Year for his efforts. After announcing his diagnosis, Dane continued working, including completing his role for the third season of Euphoria before his health declined.
He also took on roles that reflected his real-life struggle, including portraying a firefighter with ALS in the NBC series Brilliant Minds.
Dane’s memoir, Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, is scheduled for publication later in 2026. The book will reflect on his life, career, personal challenges including his ALS journey, and the moments that shaped him. Eric Dane is remembered not just as a beloved TV and film actor, but as a passionate advocate who used his platform to raise awareness for ALS even as he lived with the disease. His performance work, authenticity, and advocacy leave a lasting impact on fans, colleagues, and the ALS community worldwide.