Hollywood star Eric Dane has died aged 53, less than a year after he announced his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis. The Grey’s Anatomy alum passed away on February 19, according to a statement from his family, and is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and his daughters, Billie and Georgia.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” the statement read. “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,” the statement continued.
“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.”
Eric hailed from San Francisco and was raised by his mother after his father died from a gunshot wound. The star was an athlete in high school, yet switched to acting after landing a spot in the play All My Sons.
He then moved to Los Angeles after graduation to kickstart his career, and landed spots on shows like Saved by the Bell, The Wonder Years, Married…With Children and Roseanne.
© FilmMagicHe won recurring roles in Gideon’s Crossing and Charmed in the early ’00s, yet his appearance in Grey’s Anatomy in 2006 launched him into superstardom. In the hit show, Eric portrayed Dr Mark Sloan, also known as “McSteamy”, who was the former best friend of Derek Shepherd (played by Patrick Dempsey).
Learn more about Eric’s health battle below…
He was initially meant to appear in just one episode, yet became a fan-favorite with audiences and went on to star in 140 episodes in total. He left the series in 2012, and went on to star in Euphoria, Burlesque, Valentine’s Day, Marley & Me and The Last Ship.
Eric married model Rebecca Gayheart in 2004, and together they welcomed Billie in 2010 and Georgia in 2011. Rebecca filed for divorce from Eric in 2018, yet called off their split in March 2025, a month before he announced his ALS diagnosis.
© Jason LaVerisThe actor opened up about how the diagnosis affected his family in an interview with Diane Sawyer for Good Morning America in June 2025. Â
© FilmMagic for HBO“I’m angry because my father was taken from me when I was young, and now there’s a very good chance I’m going to be taken from my girls when they’re very young. At the end of the day, all I want to do is spend time with my family and work a little bit if I can,” he said.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that destroys motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Over time, ALS patients lose the ability to eat, breathe, speak and walk by themselves. Patients typically live 3-5 years after diagnosis, and there is no known cure for the disease.Â
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