Eric Dane, the beloved actor best known for his role as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy,” has died. He was 53.
His family announced his death on Thursday, February 19. He was confined to a wheelchair in his final months.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” his family said in a statement provided to CBS News. “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 statement continued: “He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
Dane passed away after a nearly yearlong battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease – named after the late NY Yankees baseball star. There is no known cure.
Dane is survived by his wife Rebecca Gayheart and their two daughters: Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14 (pictured).
Dane’s breakout role as Dr. McSteamy came in 2006. He is pictured alongside actor Jesse Williams.
Dane’s acting roles include television series “Euphoria” and “Charmed,” and films such as 2006’s “X-Men: Last Stand” and 2010’s “Burlesque.”
The actor announced his diagnosis in April 2025.
ALS is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects neuron cells in the brain and spinal cord. The disease causes loss of muscle control, breathing difficulties and paralysis that get progressively worse over time.
About 10% of men are affected before age 45. Most cases are diagnosed between ages 40 and 70.
About 1 in 300 Americans are affected by ALS, according to the Mayo Clinic.
In early 2024, Dane experienced his first symptom of ALS. He described his symptom in an interview with Diane Sawyer on “Good Morning America.”
“I started experiencing some weakness in my right hand, and I didn’t really think anything of it at the time,” the actor told Sawyer.
“I thought maybe I had been texting too much or my hand was fatigued. But a few weeks later, I noticed it had gotten a little worse.”
Dane said he was evaluated by hand specialists, then two neurologists. And after nine months of doctors’ appointments, he finally received his “sobering” diagnosis.
Two months before he died, Dane announced he had written his memoir, that focused on his life before and after his ALS diagnosis.
The memoir, titled “Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments,” urges readers to cherish the moments and the people that count in their lives.
“If sharing this helps someone find meaning in their own days, then my story is worth telling,” Dane said in a statement.
