Actor Eric Dane has died aged 53, nearly a year after publicly revealing his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
“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 centre of his world.”
In April 2025, Dane disclosed that he had been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease — a progressive neurodegenerative condition that attacks motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis and, ultimately, respiratory failure.
“Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight,” 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 married actress Rebecca Gayheart in 2004. The couple welcomed two daughters, Billie and Georgia. Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, though she moved to dismiss the proceedings in March 2025.
From Grey’s Anatomy to Euphoria
Dane first discovered acting in high school before landing the career-defining role of Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy. His portrayal of the charismatic, womanising surgeon made him a household name.
“It just kind of made sense,” he told Glamour of the character.
“I felt like I had an artistic obligation to not shy away from that part of the character. And to a degree, there’s a lot of me in that guy.”
“But I think at the end of the day, you tend to give people what they’re asking for, because it’s the path of least resistance.
“I love that character; I just didn’t want to play that guy for the rest of my life. It’s counterintuitive to what any actor wants to do with their career.”
Struggling with addiction, Dane departed the series in 2012.
“I wasn’t the same guy they had hired,” he later reflected.
“So I had understood when I was let go, and Shonda was really great,” he said, referencing show creator Shonda Rhimes.
Seeking more complex material, Dane joined HBO’s Euphoria as Cal Jacobs — a closeted father leading a double life. The character engages in secret sexual encounters, including a relationship with trans teenager Jules Vaughn, played by Hunter Schafer.
In the second season, viewers saw Cal’s backstory, including his youthful romance with his best friend Derek. The season concludes with his arrest after his son Nate, portrayed by Jacob Elordi, exposes him to police.
‘The Gay Community Has Been Super Supportive’
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter about portraying a gay character as a straight actor, Dane said he hoped his performance resonated authentically.
“It was helpful to see the chemistry that young Cal and Derek had. It was really a heartbreaking moment for them,” he said.
“And it’s equally as heartbreaking when Cal returns to the bar and is not accepted by the community. He’s a man without a nation. He’s no longer accepted by the straight community and not accepted by the gay community.”
“Cal is living this double life, holding up this facade of having everything on the outside, controlled and pristine, while everything on the inside is a battle of epic proportions.
“I’ve had struggles in my past that invited me to lead that life of secrecy. I accepted the invitation wholeheartedly. … While the circumstances specifically might not be the same, the feelings certainly are.”
“I’m acutely aware that I’m a straight actor playing a gay character. The gay community has been super supportive. I think I’ve lent them a voice in portraying this character, and I hope that everything I do is sincere.”
Dane was set to appear in the upcoming third season of Euphoria, having filmed scenes in a wheelchair as his health declined.
“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week,” he told People in April.
