Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane dead at 53 after ALS diagnosis

Eric Dane has died at age 53, less than a year after revealing he had been diagnosed with ALS.

Representatives confirmed the actor died Thursday from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

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"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," a statement said while requesting privacy for his family.

"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."

Dane publicly announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, explaining he was facing the progressive disease that attacks nerve cells controlling muscles throughout the body.

The condition gradually destroys the connections needed to walk, talk, speak and breathe, and most patients die within three to five years of diagnosis.

He built a major fanbase in the mid 2000s when he was cast as Dr. Mark Sloan, also known as McSteamy, on Grey's Anatomy from 2006 until 2012 and later returned for a 2021 appearance.

Although the character was killed off after a plane crash storyline, the long running series renamed Seattle Grace Hospital to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

In 2019, Dane took on a dramatically different role as Cal Jacobs in Euphoria, continuing in the part up until his death.

He also starred as Navy captain Tom Chandler in The Last Ship, though production was halted in 2017 as he battled depression.

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