Los Angeles, February 20, 2026 – The Europe Today: Eric Dane, the charismatic actor best known for his role as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on the hit television series Grey’s Anatomy, has died at the age of 53 following a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), his publicist confirmed.
“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,” the statement read, according to media reports.
Dane publicly revealed in 2025 that he had been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Following his diagnosis, he became a vocal advocate for raising awareness and supporting research aimed at combating the neurodegenerative condition.
Throughout his decades-long career, Dane built a diverse portfolio in television and film. He began with smaller roles in popular series such as The Wonder Years and Roseanne before securing a recurring role on Gideon’s Crossing in the early 2000s.
His breakthrough came in 2006 when he joined Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Mark Sloan. Earning the nickname “McSteamy,” Dane became a central figure on the long-running ABC medical drama from seasons three through nine, later reprising the beloved role during the show’s 17th season in 2021. Reflecting on his time on the series during a 2022 appearance on SiriusXM’s “Jess Cagle Show,” Dane described it as “a magical time” in his life.
Beyond television, Dane appeared in several notable films, including X-Men: The Last Stand, Marley & Me, and Burlesque. In 2019, he took on the role of Cal Jacobs in HBO’s acclaimed drama Euphoria, portraying the complex father of Nate Jacobs. He reprised the role in the show’s second season and was slated to appear in its upcoming third and final installment.
Dane remained active in the industry until recently, making an appearance last fall in the series “Brilliant Minds,” in which he portrayed a firefighter living with ALS — a role that mirrored his real-life struggle.
He is survived by his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Colleagues and fans worldwide have expressed deep sorrow over his passing, remembering Dane not only for his talent and screen presence but also for his resilience and advocacy in the face of illness.
