Terrible news is circulating worldwide today: Eric Dane has died at the age of 53 after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease he had publicly revealed in April 2025.

The actor, best known for his roles as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and as Cal Jacobs on HBO’s Euphoria, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

During his diagnosis and illness, Dane became a powerful advocate for ALS awareness and research, using his platform to support others affected by the disease.

🧠 His Final Work

Before his death, Dane completed filming scenes for Euphoria Season 3, which is scheduled to premiere on April 12, 2026. His commitment to acting despite his illness was widely praised by fans and colleagues alike.

❤️ Tributes and Legacy

Tributes have poured in from co-stars, colleagues, and fans around the world. Euphoria creator Sam Levinson honored Dane for his talent, resilience, and impact on the show’s narrative.

Family members confirmed that Dane spent his final days with his wife Rebecca Gayheart and his daughters Billie and Georgia, who were central to his life and spirits.

Dane’s journey with ALS — and his willingness to speak openly about it — drew global attention to the disease and inspired many to support research and patient advocacy.

Who Was Eric Dane? Quick Facts

• 📅 Born: 1972 in San Francisco, California.
• 🎭 Famous roles: Grey’s Anatomy (Dr. Mark Sloan), Euphoria (Cal Jacobs), The Last Ship, Bad Boys: Ride or Die.
• 💔 ALS Diagnosis: Publicly disclosed in April 2025.
• 🎬 Last work: Filmed Euphoria Season 3 after his diagnosis.
• 👪 Family: Married to Rebecca Gayheart; father to two daughters, Billie and Georgia.

Frequently Asked Questions (F&Q)

1. What was the cause of Eric Dane’s death?
Eric Dane died from complications related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive nerve-degenerating disease.

2. How old was Eric Dane when he passed away?
He was 53 years old at the time of his death on February 19, 2026.

3. What was Eric Dane best known for?
He became a household name for his role as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and later gained acclaim for his performance as Cal Jacobs on Euphoria.

4. Did he continue acting after his ALS diagnosis?
Yes — Dane continued working after his diagnosis and completed filming for Euphoria Season 3 before his death.

5. How did fans and Hollywood react?
Tributes have flooded social media and entertainment outlets from fans, co-stars, and industry peers, highlighting both his talent and courage in facing a devastating illness.

6. Was Eric Dane active in ALS advocacy?
Yes — after going public with his diagnosis, he became an outspoken advocate for ALS research and awareness, partnering with organizations and speaking publicly about his experiences.