‘McSteamy’ Actor Eric Dane Passes Away at 53, Publicist Confirms

Actor Eric Dane, best known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at 53, according to his publicist.

“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 beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” the statement read.

Dane had announced in 2025 that he was living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Following his diagnosis, he “became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight,” the statement added.

“He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always,” the statement added. “Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.”

Dane began his television and film career in the early 1990s. He appeared in series including The Wonder Years and Roseanne before a multi episode arc on Gideon's Crossing.

He played Jason Dean on Charmed in 2003 before taking on the role of Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy in 2006. His character, known as McSteamy, appeared from seasons 3 through 9. The character died following injuries sustained in a plane crash. Dane reprised the role in 2021 during the show’s 17th season.

Speaking on SiriusXM’s “Jess Cagle Show” in 2022, Dane said, “a magical time in my life.”

“It was a fun show. It was new for us and it was exciting. We on this juggernaut of a television show that was in every country and that everybody watched,” he said. “I don’t know that I necessarily felt comfortable being McSteamy, so much so that I think that may be the third time I’ve actually said that name, but it was fun and I love all those people dearly.”

During his tenure on Grey’s Anatomy, Dane also appeared in films including X-Men: The Last Stand, Marley & Me and Burlesque.

In 2019, he portrayed Cal Jacobs in Euphoria. He reprised the role in the second season and was set to appear in the third season.

Dane remained active in recent months. He appeared in an episode of Brilliant Minds last fall, playing a firefighter who suffered from ALS.

Dane first announced his diagnosis last April. In June, during an interview with Good Morning America, he said the symptoms began with “some weakness in my right hand.”

“At the end of the day, just, all I want to do is spend time with my family and work a little bit if I can,” he told ABC in June. “I don’t think this is the end of my story. I just don’t feel like, in my heart, I don’t feel like this is the end of me.”

There is currently no known cure for ALS.

In October, Dane traveled to Washington, DC with I AM ALS to advocate for additional research into the disease. The group said it was “heartbroken” by his death.

“Eric used his platform not for attention, but for action,” the group said in a statement, calling him “a fierce advocate, a generous spirit, and a true champion in the movement to end ALS.”

While in DC, Dane said, “I have two daughters at home. I want to see them, you know, graduate college, and get married and maybe have grandkids. I want to be there for all that. So I’m going to fight to the last breath on this one.”

Dane is survived by his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters Billie and Georgia.