At the age of just 53, the American actor succumbed to his ALS illness.
The American actor Eric Dane, known worldwide as the charismatic plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Sloan in the hit series Grey’s Anatomy, has died. Dane passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 53 due to complications from the incurable neurological disease ALS – less than a year after publicly announcing his diagnosis. His family confirmed that he died surrounded by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters.
With his passing, television loses an actor who shaped millions of viewers over more than two decades – and whose most famous role remains one of the most iconic characters in modern television history.
From Coincidence To Acting
Eric William Dane was born on November 9, 1972, in San Francisco. His childhood was marked by early loss: his father died when Dane was seven years old, after which his mother raised him and his brother on her own. Dane discovered his passion for acting during his school years after appearing in a theater production.
In the 1990s, he began his television career with smaller guest roles, including appearances in series such as Charmed. However, his breakthrough was slow to come. Dane worked steadily but without major fame – until one role changed his life.
McSteamy: The International Breakthrough
In 2006, Eric Dane made his first appearance on Grey’s Anatomy as plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Sloan, the best friend and rival of Derek Shepherd. The nickname “McSteamy” quickly turned the character into a pop culture phenomenon.
Sloan was more than just the attractive counterpart to “McDreamy”: behind the confident façade, a complex character emerged, defined by loyalty, regret, and emotional vulnerability. Dane remained part of the series until 2012 and became one of the most beloved members of the ensemble cast.
His character’s death following a plane crash deeply shocked fans around the world at the time. Even years later, Dane returned once more in a dream sequence – a sign of the lasting importance his character held within the series.
Even after leaving Grey’s Anatomy, Dane remained a prominent presence on television.
He took on the leading role in the action series The Last Ship and later revealed a much darker, more complex side of his acting range as Cal Jacobs in the HBO series Euphoria. Over the course of his career, he appeared in around 50 film and television productions.
His career was not without crises – public scandals, struggles with addiction, and personal setbacks accompanied him at times. Nevertheless, colleagues described Dane as a passionate and highly professional actor who continually sought new and challenging roles.
The ALS Diagnosis
In the spring of 2025, Eric Dane publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
ALS is a progressive disease of the nervous system in which the nerve cells responsible for muscle movement gradually die. The consequences include increasing paralysis, loss of speech and swallowing abilities, and ultimately respiratory failure. A cure has not yet been found, and the average life expectancy following diagnosis is typically only a few years.
In Dane’s case, the disease progressed rapidly: he lost the function of one arm, later became dependent on a wheelchair, and spoke openly about his physical limitations. Despite this, he was determined to continue working and used his public profile to raise awareness for research and for those affected by the disease.
Friends described his handling of the illness as courageous and remarkably open.
A Public Battle – And A Personal Farewell
In the months leading up to his death, Dane was deeply involved in ALS awareness efforts and medical support initiatives. His family described him as a “passionate advocate” for those living with the disease.
In a particularly symbolic coincidence, Dane died exactly 20 years after his first appearance on Grey’s Anatomy – the role that made him world-famous.
Following news of his death, colleagues and fans around the world expressed their grief. Actress Nina Dobrev wrote that she was “heartbroken” and remembered Dane’s warmth and passion. Many of his peers also emphasized that his fight against ALS had significantly raised public awareness of the illness.
Former Grey’s Anatomy co-stars likewise paid tribute to him as a humorous and generous person whose presence on set was just as impactful as his character on screen.
Eric Dane leaves behind not only his family, but also a generation of television fans for whom Mark Sloan will forever remain inseparably linked to an era of modern television
His death brings to a close a career marked by success, setbacks, and remarkable openness. At the same time, perhaps his final public role was his most meaningful: that of an actor who showed his own vulnerability – and in doing so, gave hope to others.