Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane dies at 53

Eric Dane, the actor best known for his roles on Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, has died less than a year after revealing he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 53.Dane starred as family patriarch Cal Jacobs on hit HBO teen drama Euphoria. Before that, he was perhaps best known as Dr Mark Sloan, or "Dr McSteamy", on medical drama Grey's Anatomy.The California-born actor shared his ALS diagnosis in April 2025 and spent his final months raising funds and awareness for the most common form of motor neurone disease (MND).His family said in a statement: "With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS."Dane was married to fellow actress and model Rebecca Gayheart, with whom he had two children.The statement said he spent his final days surrounded by friends and his devoted wife, and his two daughters, Billie and Georgia, "who were the center of his world"."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 actor was born in San Francisco in 1972 and made his television debut in the Wonder Years in 1993.He went on to star as Jason Dean in fantasy drama series Charmed, and Captain Tom Chandler in action drama show The Last Ship, while appearing in films such as Marley & Me, Valentine's Day and Burlesque.Dane's Grey's Anatomy co-stars led tributes to the late actor. Patrick Dempsey, who played Dr. Derek Shepherd, described him as being "a joy to work with"."He was the funniest man – he was such a joy to work with and I want to just remember him in that spirit because any time he was on set, he brought so much fun to it. He had a great sense of humour," Dempsey told Virgin Radio.He added that Dane was "wickedly intelligent", and also did "an incredible job at bringing awareness to this horrible disease".Kim Raver - who plays doctor Teddy Altman in the series - said: "During filming he'd get this twinkle in his eye and with a mischievous look, he would deliver with perfect comedic timing, a line of dialogue that would floor you."Kevin McKidd, who plays trauma surgeon Owen Hunt, posted "rest in peace buddy" on Instagram.Euphoria creator Sam Levinson told Variety: "I'm heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend.""Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift," he said.His Charmed co-star Alyssa Milano meanwhile wrote that her "heart is with the people who were lucky enough to be his home"."When it came to his daughters and Rebecca, everything in him softened. He carried them with him even in rooms where they weren't present... A breathtakingly beautiful family."Ashton Kutcher, who starred alongside Dane in 2010's Valentine's Day, also paid tribute on social media: "Miss you, buddy. Let's keep fighting the fight to solve ALS."Nina Dobrev separately said he "led with kindness and made everyone on our set feel seen". The pair starred together in 2022's Redeeming Love."He was warm, generous, prepared, and so passionate about what he did," she wrote on Instagram. "ALS is a cruel and unforgiving disease. May his memory inspire more research, awareness, and progress toward a cure."

21-02-2026 13:59