Eric Dane Passes Away: Grey's Anatomy Actor Dies at 53 After Battling With ALS

Eric Dane, Hollywood actor known for his role in series like Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria dies at the age of 53. Eric lost his life while battling with ALS. ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. His unexpected death has left everyone in shock.

In an statement with USA TODAY on Thursday, February 19, 2026, Eric's representative informed that ,""With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS". He revealed his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease, last year, later disclosing the loss of use of his right arm. Three weeks before his death, he withdrew from an ALS Network gala due to his physical condition.

Eric spent his last few days with family wife, and his beloved daughters, Billie and Georgia. Through out his battle eric created awareness about ALS and advocated for research and improve lives of others battling with it.   He was to be honored with the Dean and Kathleen Rasmussen Advocate of the Year Award.

This one hurts.

Eric Dane wasn’t just a familiar face on our screens he felt like someone we grew up watching. From stealing scenes as Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy to delivering such a raw, complicated performance in Euphoria, he had this ability to make every character feel… https://t.co/FfMapbP4Kfpic.twitter.com/Edx3ZkRkd3

— Giddy (@GideonGrowth) February 20, 2026

One of Dane's final roles was as a firefighter diagnosed with ALS on NBC's Brilliant Minds. Best known as Dr. Mark Sloan ("McSteamy") on Grey's Anatomy, Dane also played Cal Jacobs on HBO's Euphoria and was set to reprise the role in the upcoming third season. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie and Georgia.