Eric Dane Obituary, LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Eric Dane, the actor best known for portraying Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy, has died at the age of 53 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. Dane died on Thursday, February 19, 2026, according to a statement from his family and representatives.
Dane became widely recognized through his long-running role on Grey’s Anatomy, where he played Dr. Mark Sloan, a charismatic plastic surgeon whose relationships and friendships became important parts of the medical drama. He joined the series in 2006 and remained a prominent cast member through 2012, later reprising the character in 2021.
Beyond Grey’s Anatomy, Dane built a broad acting career across television and film. He later gained another major television role as Cal Jacobs, the troubled patriarch of the Jacobs family, on HBO’s Euphoria. His film credits also included appearances in Marley & Me, Burlesque, and Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
Dane publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. During the final year of his life, he used his public profile to raise awareness about the disease and advocate for research and people living with ALS. The ALS Network recognized that advocacy by naming him its Advocate of the Year for 2025.
His family said Dane spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. The family also said that throughout his illness, Dane became a passionate advocate for ALS awareness and research while remaining grateful for the support he received from fans.
Dane’s death marks the loss of an actor whose work connected him with television audiences for more than two decades. His portrayal of Mark Sloan remains among the memorable performances associated with Grey’s Anatomy, while his later work on Euphoria introduced him to another generation of viewers.
Eric Dane’s legacy will continue through the characters and performances he brought to television and film, as well as through the awareness he helped raise during his battle with ALS. He will be remembered by his family, colleagues, and audiences who followed his career, and condolences remain with his loved ones and everyone affected by his passing.
