‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star Eric Dane Dies at 53 After Battle With ALS

Actor Eric Dane, best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy,” has died at the age of 53, one year after publicly revealing his diagnosis with ALS.

Dane’s family confirmed his passing in a statement shared with People. “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” the statement said. It added that he spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his wife, and his two daughters, Billie and Georgia.

The family noted that throughout his illness, Dane became an advocate for ALS awareness and research. They said he was grateful for the support he received from fans and asked for privacy as they grieve.

Born in San Francisco, Dane began acting in the 1990s with guest appearances on television shows such as “Saved by the Bell,” “The Wonder Years,” “Roseanne,” “Married With Children,” and “Silk Stalkings.” He rose to widespread fame in 2006 when he joined the cast of “Grey’s Anatomy” as Dr. Mark Sloan, earning the nickname “McSteamy.” He later starred in HBO’s “Euphoria.”

Dane was married to actress Rebecca Gayheart, whom he wed in 2004. The couple shared two daughters. Gayheart had filed for divorce in 2018 but later withdrew the filing in 2025, saying they remained close.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The condition gradually robs patients of muscle control and can impact speech, movement, and breathing. There is currently no cure, and life expectancy after diagnosis is typically several years.