Eric Dane, 'Grey's Anatomy' & 'Euphoria' Star, Dies at 53

Eric Dane, the actor who became a household name as "McSteamy" on "Grey's Anatomy" and who had a compelling part on the series "Euphoria," has died at 53.

His death occurred on the 20th anniversary of his first appearance on "Grey's Anatomy."

Dane had announced he was battling ALS in April of last year, and later said it was progressing rapidly.

TMZ was first to break the sad news.

In a statement, Dane's family confirmed his passing, saying, "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.”

Watch "Extra's" final sit-down with him:

Dane was born November 9, 1972, in San Francisco.

Inspired by how much fun he had acting in his high school production of "All My Sons," Dane made his acting debut in an uncredited appearance on a 1991 episode of "Saved by the Bell" as smug Tad Pogue, who is after Leah Remini's character.

He continued his TV career guesting on "Renegade" (1992), "The Wonder Years" (1993), "Married... with Children" (1995), "Silk Stalkings" (1996), "Roseanne" (1996), and others, as well as in the Glenn Close TV movie "Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story" (1995).

He recurred on "Gideon's Crossing" (2000) and "The American Embassy" (2002), going on to make a big impression as Jason Dean on nine episodes of "Charmed" (2003-2004).

Dane's film debut arrived with 2000's "The Basket," but his first major success was as Multiple Man in "X-Men: The Last Stand," which came out in 2006 — the same year he secured his spot in TV history as Dr. Mark Sloan aka McSteamy on "Grey's Anatomy."

Dane wound up appearing on more than 130 episodes of the show, from 2006-2012, returning for one episode in 2021.

Dane's movie work included "Marley & Me" (2008), "Valentine's Day" (2010), "Burlesque" (2010), "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" (2024), and the forthcoming "Family Secrets."

He was a regular on "The Last Ship" (2014-2018), and his career soon reached another peak with his work as Cal Jacobs on 13 episodes of the hot series "Euphoria" (2019-2026).

He will be seen on Season 3, which debuts on HBO Max April 12.

Last year, his health waning, Dane made a particularly courageous appearance as a firefighter battling ALS on an episode of "Brilliant Minds." That show's creator, Michael Grassi, tells "Extra," "Eric was a TV icon who lit up our screens for decades, and it was the greatest honor of my career to work with him. Not only was he a tremendous talent, he was also generous, kind, and brave. I’m thinking about his family and loved ones today. He will be missed."

In 2004, Dane married fellow actor Rebecca Gayheart, welcoming two children, Billie and Georgia, both of whom are now teens. Though the couple announced they were divorcing in 2018, they called it off in March 2025.

The following month, Dane told the world the awful news — he had been diagnosed with ALS.

Within six months, Dane reported that the disease, an incurable degenerative disorder commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, progressively paralyzes a patient's muscles.

I AM ALS, an organization Dane supported, told "Extra" in a statement, "We are heartbroken by the passing of our friend Eric Dane — a fierce advocate, a generous spirit, and a true champion in the movement to end ALS."

"Eric used his platform not for attention, but for action," they went on. "From the moment he joined I AM ALS, he showed up with courage and conviction, asking how he could use his superpowers to help the movement grow. It was an honor to brainstorm with him, to walk alongside him in the halls of Congress on behalf of our community, amplify the urgent need for ACT for ALS and research funding, and drive toward treatments and, ultimately, a cure. He understood that ALS is not just a diagnosis; it is a call to action for families, for answers, and for change."

"Eric brought humility, humor, and visibility to ALS and reminded the world that progress is possible when we refuse to remain silent. Eric was more than a supporter of our mission — he was part of our family. His impact will live on in the research being funded, the policies being advanced, and the community he helped grow by his honesty, his bravery, and his belief in a better future for anyone struggling with this diagnosis."

"We honor Eric by continuing the work he believed in so deeply: mobilizing communities, driving critical research, securing essential funding, and fighting relentlessly for real solutions. Our thoughts are with his loved ones and our entire community. I AM ALS will carry his legacy forward — until ALS is no more."

In a TikTok video shared by U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell of California in October 2025 in support of ACT for ALS, Dane spoke defiantly about his battle and the importance of early diagnosis.

"ALS is the last thing they want to diagnose anybody with," Dane said. "So often, it takes all this time for these people to be diagnosed, well, then it precludes them from being a part of these clinical trials."

He went on, "That's why ACT for ALS is so, so great, and it's because it broadens the access for everybody."

Dane made his plea personal.

"I have two daughters at home,” he said. “I want to see them, you know, graduate college, and get married and maybe have grandkids. You know, I want to be there for all that. So, I'm going to fight to the last breath on this one."