The entertainment world is mourning a profound loss today, February 20, 2026, following the news that Eric Dane, the magnetic actor who brought the iconic Dr. Mark Sloan to life, has passed away. At 53 years old, Dane died on Thursday, February 19, after a courageous and public battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Known to millions as "McSteamy" on the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy, Dane's journey over the last year transformed him from a Hollywood heartthrob into a powerful advocate for the ALS community.
Who Was Eric Dane?
Born Eric William Dane on November 9, 1972, the actor first caught the public's eye with early roles in shows like Saved by the Bell and Charmed. However, it was his 2006 entrance on Grey's Anatomy—famously stepping out of a shower in nothing but a towel—that cemented his status as a television legend. Alongside Patrick Dempsey (Mcdreamy) and Ellen Pompeo, he became a cornerstone of the Grey's Anatomy cast, portraying the complex, charming, and eventually devoted Dr. Mark Sloan.
Beyond the halls of Grey Sloan Memorial, Dane’s career was prolific. His movies and TV shows include:
* The Last Ship: Starring as Admiral Tom Chandler.
* Euphoria: Delivering a powerhouse performance as Cal Jacobs.
* X-Men: The Last Stand: Playing Multiple Man.
* Marley & Me: Acting alongside Owen Wilson.
The ALS Diagnosis and Advocacy
In April 2025, Eric Dane revealed a diagnosis that shocked his global fanbase: he was battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
What is ALS? ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It leads to the loss of muscle control, eventually impacting the ability to speak, eat, move, and breathe.
> "I wake up every day and I'm immediately reminded that this is happening. It's not a dream," Dane shared in a poignant interview on Good Morning America shortly after his diagnosis.
Despite the rapid progression of the illness, which saw him transition to a wheelchair by late 2025, Dane dedicated his final months to ALS awareness. He worked closely with the ALS Network and "I AM ALS," pushing for federal funding and research. His final television appearance on the show Brilliant Minds featured him playing a character with ALS, a testament to his desire to humanize the disease.
Eric Dane's Final Days and Family
The actor passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. Eric Dane's wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia, remained the center of his world throughout his illness. While the couple had experienced public ups and downs, they remained a united front in his final year, with Gayheart sharing updates on the "physical realities" of his care.
Is Eric Dane in Season 3 of Euphoria?
Fans will have one last chance to see Dane's incredible range. Before his health declined, he completed filming for Euphoria Season 3, which is set to premiere in April 2026. HBO released a statement praising his "incredible talent" and the "redemption" he brought to the character of Cal Jacobs.
Looking Ahead: A Memoir and a Legacy
While Eric Dane's cause of death was complications from ALS, his story does not end here. A memoir chronicling his life and his journey with the disease is scheduled for release later in 2026, published by Maria Shriver.
From Dr. McSteamy to a tireless advocate for a cure, Eric Dane’s legacy is defined by his "quiet strength" and a heart that never stopped fighting.