Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria Actor Eric Dane Dies at 53 After Battle with ALS

Actor Eric Dane, renowned for his charismatic role as Dr. Mark Sloan (nicknamed ‘McSteamy’) on the long-running series Grey’s Anatomy from 2006 to 2012, has passed away at the age of 53. His death occurred on February 19, 2026, following complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease also known as motor neurone disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Dane publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis in 2025 and subsequently became a vocal advocate, using his platform to raise awareness and support research into the condition, which causes muscle weakness, mobility loss, speech difficulties, and swallowing issues, with no known cure and treatment centered on symptom relief and specialist care. A family statement highlighted that he spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his wife Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his life. Despite filing for divorce in 2018 after separating in 2017, the couple reconciled in a familial, non-romantic bond while living separately and dating others. Dane’s career also included a notable antagonistic role as Cal Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria. Numerous tributes from co-stars and celebrities flooded social media, including from Ashton Kutcher (who referenced their fantasy football league and the ongoing fight against ALS), Patrick Dempsey (describing Dane as the ‘funniest man’ he worked with and sharing recent heartbreaking updates on his rapid health decline), Kevin McKidd, and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson. The article underscores the profound impact of Dane’s legacy on Grey’s Anatomy, where his character’s influence led to the hospital being renamed Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, and reflects on the devastating effects of ALS.