Actor Eric Dane, who gained worldwide fame for the drama 'Grey's Anatomy', has died after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 53.
On the 19th (local time), according to reports by U.S. entertainment outlets including Page Six, Eric Dane's family told People, "With deep sorrow we announce that Eric Dane passed away Thursday afternoon after a brave battle with ALS," they said. This comes about 10 months after he publicly disclosed his ALS diagnosis.
The family said, "During his illness Eric became a passionate advocate for ALS awareness and research," and "He wanted to make meaningful change for those fighting the same battle. He will always be remembered with love." They added, "Eric truly loved his fans and was always grateful for the love and support he received," asking that the time be respected for mourning.
ALS organization I Am ALS also called it "heartbreaking news," saying, "Eric brought humility, humor and visibility to ALS. He was more than a supporter; he was part of our family," in a tribute.
Eric Dane publicly disclosed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025 and had candidly shared his fight with the disease. ALS is an incurable disease that destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually causing loss of muscle control, and there is currently no cure.
In a June 2025 interview on Good Morning America, he described his first symptoms, saying, "I felt a weakness in my right hand. At first I thought it was simple fatigue." However, the symptoms gradually worsened, and in September of the same year he was seen at an airport in a wheelchair.
Despite that, Eric Dane did not give up his passion for acting. In December last year he said, "My brain and speech are still alive. I'm ready to do anything," expressing his intention to continue acting, but he recently canceled attendance at ALS-related events due to deteriorating health.
His private life also drew empathy from many. Dane married actress Rebecca Gayheart in 2004 and they had two daughters. He filed for divorce in 2018 but withdrew it in March 2025. Gayheart said, "Love is no longer romantic but it is love as a family," adding, "I want to show the children what the right choice is."
Eric Dane rose to stardom appearing in the drama 'Grey's Anatomy' as Mark "McSteamy" Sloan from seasons 3–9 (2006–2012). After that he appeared in the films Marley & Me, Burlesque, and Bad Boys: Ride or Die, among others.
Recently he delivered a powerful performance as Cal Jacobs in the HBO drama 'Euphoria', and in season 2 of NBC's 'Brilliant Minds' he played a firefighter diagnosed with ALS, a role that resonated deeply with his own reality.
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