Actor Eric Dane, famously known as Dr. Mark Sloan or ‘McSteamy’ on the enduring medical series “Grey’s Anatomy,” has passed away at 53. His family shared the news with People magazine on Thursday. Dane had disclosed last year that he was battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. In a statement, his family expressed deep sorrow over Eric Dane’s demise after his courageous fight against ALS. Throughout his illness, Dane remained a committed advocate for ALS awareness and research, aiming to support others facing the same challenge. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
While gaining fame as a heartthrob on “Grey’s Anatomy,” Dane had a diverse career in both TV and film. Starting with a 1991 appearance in the teen sitcom “Saved by the Bell,” he went on to feature in popular shows like “The Wonder Years,” “Married… with Children,” and “Roseanne.” His role on “Grey’s Anatomy” spanned from 2006 to 2012, encompassing around 139 episodes.
Recently, Dane was prominently featured in HBO’s “Euphoria” as a core cast member since 2019. He also starred in the single-season Amazon Prime series “Countdown” last year. His final credited TV role was in a 2025 episode of NBC’s “Brilliant Minds,” where he portrayed a character living with ALS.
After his ALS diagnosis, Dane actively advocated for ALS awareness and research. In December, he joined the board of directors of Target ALS, a nonprofit organization devoted to advancing research and awareness of the disease.
Dane tied the knot with actress Rebecca Gayheart in a Las Vegas ceremony in 2004. Despite filing for divorce at one point, they never finalized the separation and had reconciled before his passing. His family mentioned that in his final moments, Dane was surrounded by close friends, his devoted wife, and his two cherished daughters, Billie and Georgia, who held a special place in his heart.