Eric Dane, the acclaimed actor renowned for his memorable performances on television series such as Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, and who later became a dedicated advocate for ALS awareness, died on Thursday, February 19, 2026. He was 53 years old.
Diagnosis and Advocacy Efforts
His representatives confirmed that Dane succumbed to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, less than a year after he publicly announced his diagnosis in April 2025. ALS is a progressive neurological disorder that attacks nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles, leading to severe physical decline. Most patients face a prognosis of three to five years following diagnosis.
Throughout his battle with the illness, Dane transformed into a vocal champion for increased awareness and research funding. In June 2025, he addressed a news conference in Washington, D.C., focusing on health insurance prior authorization issues, stating, "Some of you may know me from TV shows, such as Grey's Anatomy, where I play a doctor. But I am here today to speak briefly as a patient battling ALS." His efforts were recognized in September 2025 when the ALS Network honored him with their Advocate of the Year award.
Career Highlights and Personal Life
Dane's breakthrough role came in the mid-2000s when he was cast as Dr. Mark Sloan, affectionately nicknamed "McSteamy," on the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy. He portrayed the character from 2006 to 2012 and made a special reappearance in 2021. His impact on the show was so significant that the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital was renamed Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in tribute.
In a dramatic shift, he took on the role of Cal Jacobs in HBO's provocative series Euphoria starting in 2019, a character he continued to play until his passing. Additionally, Dane starred as Captain Tom Chandler in the TNT drama The Last Ship, though production was temporarily halted in 2017 while he dealt with depression.
Born on November 9, 1972, and raised in Northern California, Dane moved to Los Angeles after high school to pursue acting. He landed guest roles on popular shows like Saved by the Bell and Charmed before achieving mainstream success.
Family and Final Days
Dane is survived by his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two teenage daughters, Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine. The couple married in 2004 and experienced periods of separation, but never finalized a divorce. In a December essay for New York magazine, Gayheart described their relationship as "a very complicated relationship, one that's confusing for people," emphasizing a deep familial love despite living separately.
A statement from his representatives noted, "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." The family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Legacy and Upcoming Memoir
Dane's legacy extends beyond his acting career into his advocacy work. A memoir titled Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments is scheduled for release in late 2026 through Maria Shriver's The Open Field imprint at Penguin Random House. In a statement about the book, Dane expressed, "I want to capture the moments that shaped me — the beautiful days, the hard ones, the ones I never took for granted — so that if nothing else, people who read it will remember what it means to live with heart."
His passing has sparked an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues, highlighting his contributions to both entertainment and health advocacy. Eric Dane will be remembered not only for his charismatic on-screen presence but also for his courageous fight against ALS and his dedication to making a difference for others facing similar challenges.
