Eric Dane, “Euphoria” & “Grey’s Anatomy” Star, Dies at 53 After Battle With ALS
The entertainment world is mourning a heartbreaking loss as Hollywood star Eric Dane, well known for his roles in “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” has passed away on February 19 at age 53 after a long battle with ALS.
Eric Dane’s Family Makes Statement on His Passing
Dane’s passing comes 10 months after the actor publicly opened up about his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The “Euphoria” star was diagnosed with the disease in 2025. In a statement to People, Dane’s family said:
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. 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. 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. 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 had also worked on a memoir reflecting on his life and battle with ALS.
Reflecting on the Actor’s Life
Dane was born on Nov. 9, 1972, in San Francisco, California. He was only seven years old when his father passed away from a gunshot wound. In speaking with the Gulf Times about his dad in 2014, Dane said, “He was a Navy man and ended up becoming an architect and interior designer. He was a troubled soul.” Until he became a parent himself, the actor said that he never realized the “devastating” effect the loss must have been for him as a kid.
Dane started acting after he got a role playing Joe Keller in “All My Sons.” He moved to Los Angeles after graduating with just 40 bucks in his pocket. At first, he did struggle with excessive partying and getting into trouble, but got back on track and landed guest roles on shows like “The Wonder Years,” “Roseanne,” and “Married… With Children.” He also landed a recurring role on “Gideon’s Crossing.” In 2000, he got his first film role in “The Basket.”
Dane’s Notable Roles in His Career
He appeared in the second season of “Grey’s Anatomy” as Mark Sloan in 2006. He was elevated to the main role due to strong and positive fan reaction. Mark’s storyline involved him sleeping with coworkers, but Dane left the series in 2012 when his character was killed off. In addition, Dane also made roles in other TV and films that included “Euphoria,” “Burlesque,” “Valentine’s Day,” “Marley & Me,” and “The Last Ship.”
The star married actress Rebecca Gayheart in 2004, and the couple welcomed daughters Billie and Georgia in 2010 and 2011, respectively. In 2009, a nude video of the actor, Gayheart, and another woman was leaked online. Dane struggled with depression and went to rehab, having started using painkillers after a sports injury. From 2014 to 2018, the actor landed a role on “The Last Ship.” However, he felt that the role was too similar to Mark Sloan.
In seeking to do something different, he joined “Euphoria” as Cal Jacobs, who, on the outside, seemed like a good family man but had anonymous sex with people he met online. The late star found the role to be freeing for him. Aside from “Euphoria,” he appeared in films like “American Carnage” and “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” In 2018, Gayheart filed for divorce, but later filed to have it dismissed in 2025.
Dane is survived by his wife and two daughters.
