The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of Eric Dane, who passed away at the age of 53 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. His death was confirmed by his family, who shared that he died on February 19 surrounded by loved ones.
Best known for his roles as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and Cal Jacobs on Euphoria, Dane built a career defined by charisma, emotional depth and a commanding on-screen presence. As tributes poured in from across Hollywood, one of the most heartfelt messages came from his longtime co-star and friend Patrick Dempsey.
Speaking on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show, Dempsey revealed that he had been in contact with Dane shortly before his passing. “I just woke up this morning, and I was very sad to read the news,” he said. “It’s hard to put into words. I feel really so sad for his children.” Dempsey added that they had been texting and that he had spoken to Dane about a week earlier, underscoring the closeness of their friendship even years after working together.
Reflecting on their time on set, Dempsey described Dane as someone with an infectious personality and sharp wit. “He had a great sense of humor. He was easy to work with, we got along instantly,” he said. Their professional relationship began in 2005, when Dane first appeared in Season 2 of Grey’s Anatomy as the charismatic and confident Dr. Mark Sloan. The character quickly became a fan favorite, earning him the affectionate nickname “McSteamy” and securing his place as a series regular.
Dane remained a central figure on the medical drama until Season 8, when his character was written off in a storyline that left a lasting impact on viewers. His portrayal of Sloan combined charm and vulnerability, helping to cement his reputation as a television heartthrob while also showcasing his range as an actor.
Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane grew up in the Bay Area before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting. Over the years, he took on a variety of roles across television and film, but it was his work on Grey’s Anatomy that brought him widespread recognition. Later in his career, he surprised audiences with a darker and more complex performance as Cal Jacobs in Euphoria. Appearing across the show’s first two seasons and reprising the role in its third, Dane portrayed a deeply flawed and conflicted character, earning renewed acclaim for his layered performance.
In 2025, Dane publicly shared his diagnosis of ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. After revealing his condition, he used his platform to advocate for greater awareness and research into the illness. Friends and colleagues praised his courage in speaking openly about his health struggles while continuing to work and engage with fans.
In a statement released to People magazine, his family described him as a devoted father and loving husband who spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his wife and his two daughters, Billie and Georgia. The statement emphasized that he passed away peacefully in the presence of those who meant the most to him.
“He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always,” the family shared, while requesting privacy as they grieve their loss.
Those close to Dane often spoke about his deep love for his daughters, who were said to be the center of his world. Beyond his on-screen legacy, friends remember him as a warm, humorous and generous individual who valued family above all else.
As Hollywood reflects on his life and career, Eric Dane’s impact — from the hospital corridors of Grey’s Anatomy to the intense drama of Euphoria — remains etched in the hearts of fans and colleagues alike.
