Eric Dane, widely recognized for playing Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy,” died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at age 53 after suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, his family reported.
According to a statement from his representative, Dane spent his last hours with his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Feb. 26 afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” the family said. “He spent his last days surrounded by close friends, his devoted wife, and his two beloved daughters, Billie and Georgia, who meant everything to him.”
The San Francisco–born actor publicly disclosed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. The progressive neurological disorder impacts roughly 1 in 300 Americans, with many surviving three to five years following diagnosis.
Once he revealed his condition, Dane became an outspoken advocate for ALS research and education. In September 2025, he met with Rep. Eric Swalwell to discuss the illness, telling him he hoped to “ring every bell” to witness his daughters graduate, marry, and possibly have children someday.
The disease advanced swiftly. By June 2025, Dane had completely lost function in his right arm. In an interview with ABC’s Diane Sawyer, he said: “My left side is functioning; my right side has completely stopped working.”
Despite his declining physical capability, Dane remained devoted to acting. During a December 2025 I Am ALS panel, he said he planned to continue working however possible, noting he retained full cognition and speech and was enthusiastic about taking on any role available.
Dane’s career spanned more than three decades, beginning with a 1991 appearance on “Saved by the Bell.” Early roles on “The Wonder Years,” “Married with Children,” and “Roseanne” laid the groundwork for parts in “Charmed,” “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “Marley & Me,” and “Burlesque.”
He achieved widespread recognition in 2006 when he joined “Grey’s Anatomy” as Dr. Mark Sloan, a charming plastic surgeon who quickly grew popular with viewers. The moniker “McSteamy” became part of pop culture, and Dane stayed on the show from 2006 to 2012, returning briefly in 2021. His character died in the season 9 premiere from plane crash–related injuries.
After “Grey’s Anatomy,” Dane played Captain Tom Chandler on TNT’s “The Last Ship” for five seasons, from 2014 to 2018, demonstrating his ability as an action lead.
In 2019, he took on a more layered role as Cal Jacobs in HBO’s hit series “Euphoria.” He completed filming for the third season, set to premiere April 12, 2026, from a wheelchair due to the progression of his illness. He also had a role in “Redeeming Love” (2022), a film currently popular on Netflix.
Dane’s later performances carried deep personal resonance. In November 2025, he appeared on NBC’s “Brilliant Minds” portraying a firefighter secretly dealing with ALS. Showrunner Michael Grassi said the cast and crew honored him with a 10-minute standing ovation after an emotional scene, calling the work “so beautiful and so honest and so real.”
As ALS worsened, Dane reduced his public appearances. He was absent from the 2025 Emmy Awards after a fall at home that required stitches. In January 2026, he withdrew from an ALS Network gala where he had been set to receive the Dean and Kathleen Rasmussen Advocate of the Year Award.
Throughout his illness, Dane continued to prioritize advocacy, recognizing the importance of his platform. During an I Am ALS panel, he expressed that sharing his story had become necessary because his life no longer felt like it belonged solely to him.
ABC and 20th Television, producers of “Grey’s Anatomy,” issued a joint tribute celebrating Dane’s skill and perseverance. HBO also honored him, with “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson calling him a “dear friend” whose memory would always be a “blessing.”
Dane’s early life included profound hardship. His father died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound when he was seven, an experience that strongly influenced how he approached raising his own children.
His family requested privacy as they mourn, saying Dane “adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.”
Dane leaves behind an extensive portfolio of work across film and television, from his role in “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” (2024) to his iconic portrayal of the unforgettable “McSteamy.” He also leaves a legacy of determination and advocacy in the face of a serious illness.