TV Star Eric Dane Dies After Becoming Advocate in ALS Fight

Actor Eric Dane, best known for playing Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy and Cal Jacobs on Euphoria, has died. He was 53.

Dane passed away on February 19 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. His family confirmed the news in a statement to People magazine.

“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” the statement read. “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”

The family added that throughout his illness, Dane became a passionate advocate for ALS awareness and research. “He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always,” they said, asking for privacy during this difficult time.

From the Bay Area to Hollywood

Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane grew up in Northern California before moving to Los Angeles after high school to pursue acting. Like many young actors, he started with small roles in popular TV shows in the 1990s, including Saved by the Bell, The Wonder Years, Roseanne, and Married... with Children.

He gained more attention in 2000 with a recurring role on Gideon's Crossing and made his film debut that same year in “The Basket.”

Over the next decade, Dane built a steady film career, appearing in projects like X-Men: The Last Stand, Marley & Me, and Valentine's Day. He also starred in “Open Water 2” and had a recurring role as Jason Dean on Charmed.

Becoming “McSteamy”

Dane’s big break came in 2005 when he guest-starred as Dr. Mark Sloan on Season 2 of Grey's Anatomy. His charming and confident plastic surgeon quickly became a fan favorite, earning the nickname “McSteamy.”

What began as a guest appearance turned into a full-time role. Dane remained a series regular until Season 8 and later returned for special appearances, including a cameo nearly two decades after his debut.

ABC and 20th Television said in a statement that Dane’s “remarkable talent and unforgettable presence” left a lasting impact on audiences around the world.

A New Generation of Fans

In 2019, Dane introduced himself to a new audience as Cal Jacobs, the complicated and deeply flawed father on Euphoria. Starring opposite Jacob Elordi’s character Nate, Dane delivered a powerful performance that showed a darker, more complex side of his acting range.

He appeared in 12 episodes across the first two seasons and had completed work related to the show’s upcoming third season, set to premiere in April.

Dane also led TNT’s action drama The Last Ship from 2014 to 2019 and continued working steadily in both film and television in recent years.

A Voice for ALS Awareness

After publicly revealing his ALS diagnosis in 2025, Dane became an outspoken advocate for research and support for those living with the disease. He worked with the nonprofit organization I Am ALS to push for legislation and fundraising efforts.

In an interview with The Washington Post, Dane said he felt compelled to share his diagnosis to help others.

“I have been an open book about certain things in my life. This is something I felt compelled to share with people,” he said. “How can I help? How can I be of some service?”

He added, “If I’m going out, I’m gonna go out helping somebody.”

Remembered by Family and Fans

Dane is survived by his two daughters, who his family said were “the center of his world.”

For millions of viewers, he will always be remembered as the charming doctor who lit up the halls of Seattle Grace and as the complicated father who brought intensity to the screen. But beyond his roles, Eric Dane’s courage and commitment to helping others during his final years left a lasting mark that went far beyond television.