Actor Eric Dane, who became a household name as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy, has died at 53 after a lengthy battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), his family confirmed. Dane passed away on February 19, 2026, surrounded by loved ones less than a year after revealing his diagnosis.
Dane first disclosed his diagnosis publicly in April 2025, telling People at the time, “I have been diagnosed with ALS. I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.” His announcement was met with support from peers and fans as he vowed to continue working and to raise awareness about the disease.
Best known for his eight-year run on “Grey’s Anatomy” — where his charismatic portrayal helped define the early seasons — Dane went on to notable roles including Cal Jacobs on HBO’s “Euphoria” and Captain Tom Chandler on “The Last Ship”. His film credits included “X-Men: The Last Stand”, “Marley & Me” and “Bad Boys: Ride or Die”.
Throughout his illness, Dane became an advocate for ALS awareness, discussing the challenges of the disease and supporting research efforts. In his final public appearance on an ALS panel, he described the condition as “so horrible” while maintaining a candid and courageous perspective.
Dane’s family shared a statement expressing how much he adored his fans and was grateful for their support. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were described as “the center of his world” in the family’s tribute.