Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Euphoria’ Star, Dies at 53 After ALS Battle
Eric Dane, best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on the hit medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” has died at the age of 53 following a battle with ALS, his family announced Thursday, February 20, 2026. The news marks a significant loss for television fans and highlights the devastating impact of the disease.
Dane revealed his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in April 2025. “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” his family said in a statement. “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.”
Despite his illness, Dane continued to work, recently appearing on NBC’s “Brilliant Minds” as a firefighter diagnosed with ALS. He was also set to reprise his role as Cal Jacobs in the upcoming third season of HBO’s “Euphoria.” The actor spoke passionately about raising awareness for ALS amid his battle with the disease.
In September 2025, Dane met with Representative Eric Swalwell of California to discuss the condition. Footage shared on TikTok showed Dane vowing to fight until the finish. “I’m going to ring every bell,” he said. “I have two daughters at home. I want to observe them graduate college, secure married, maybe even have grandkids. I want to be there for all that so I’m going to fight until the last breath on this one.”
At an I Am ALS-hosted panel in December, Dane reiterated his commitment to continuing his work despite the physical symptoms of the disease. “I’m fairly limited in what I can do physically as an actor, but I still have my brain, and I still have my speech, so I’m willing to just do about anything. I’ll take on any role,” he said. “I’m grateful that I can still work in any capacity.”
Dane’s family noted that throughout his journey with ALS, he became a passionate advocate for awareness and research. “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 statement continued. They have asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Along with his iconic role on “Grey’s Anatomy,” Dane had a prolific career spanning decades, with appearances in shows like “Charmed” and films including “X-Men: Last Stand” and “Burlesque.” He is survived by his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters.
ALS is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle control loss, according to the Mayo Clinic. Approximately 30,000 people in the United States are affected by the disease at any given time, the ALS Association reports. The life expectancy following an ALS diagnosis is typically three to five years, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
