Eric Dane, the actor celebrated for his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and his recent advocacy for ALS awareness, has died at the age of 53, following a courageous battle with the disease.

A Courageous Fight and Lasting Legacy

Dane passed away on Thursday afternoon, surrounded by his wife, two daughters, and close friends. His family released a statement expressing their grief and highlighting his dedication to raising awareness for ALS.

“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 lovely daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”

Eric Dane’s Family

The actor announced his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in April 2025 and quickly became a passionate advocate for research and awareness of the disease.

From ‘McSteamy’ to ALS Advocate

Dane’s career spanned decades, beginning in the early 1990s with roles in television series such as The Wonder Years and Roseanne. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan, affectionately known as McSteamy, on Grey’s Anatomy starting in 2006. He too appeared in films including Burlesque (2010) and X-Men: The Last Stand (2006).

Understanding ALS

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and eventual loss of control. The disease was first identified by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot in 1869 and later became associated with New York Yankees baseball star Lou Gehrig.

Currently, there is no cure for ALS, and the average life expectancy after diagnosis is approximately 27 months.

FAQ

• What was Eric Dane known for? He was best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy.
• What disease did Eric Dane have? He was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
• When did Eric Dane announce his ALS diagnosis? He announced his diagnosis in April 2025.