Actor Eric Dane Dies at 53 After ALS Diagnosis

Eric Dane Dies at Age 53

Eric Dane died at the age of 53, his family confirmed. His death occurred on Thursday, Feb. 19, following what his family described as a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Dane’s family stated that he spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his wife, and his two daughters, Billie and Georgia. The family requested privacy as they cope with his death.

ALS Diagnosis and Advocacy

Dane publicly revealed in 2025 that he had been diagnosed with ALS. His death came nearly one year after he announced the diagnosis. According to a statement from his family, during his illness he became an advocate for ALS awareness and research and aimed to help others facing the disease.

In his final public appearance, Dane participated in a virtual panel organized by I AM ALS, during which he referred to ALS as "so horrible." The family statement noted that he was grateful for the support he received.

Career and Notable Roles

Dane became widely known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on the television series "Grey’s Anatomy." He first appeared as Mark Sloan in the show’s second season in 2006. The role became a main part on the series after a positive reaction from viewers. Dane left the series in 2012 when the character Mark Sloan was written off the show.

Before that, Dane appeared in a recurring role on the series "Charmed." His television and film work also included roles such as his appearance in the 2010 film "Valentine’s Day." In later years, he portrayed the character Cal Jacobs, a married man who met people online for anonymous sex. In 2022, he described that role as demanding and said it required him to meet high expectations in depicting the character’s complex behavior.

Early Life and Personal Background

Eric Dane was born in San Francisco in 1972. When he was 7 years old, his father died from a gunshot wound. Dane said in a 2014 interview that he did not fully understand the impact of that loss until he became a parent himself.

Dane described finding acting during high school after he was asked to play Joe Keller in a production of "All My Sons" following a short water polo season. He recalled that this experience led him to pursue acting. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles with what he described as "40 bucks" and later said he spent several years partying and getting into trouble.

Family and Relationships

Dane was married to actress Rebecca Gayheart. The couple separated, and Gayheart filed for divorce. In March 2025, she filed to have the divorce dismissed. Dane and Gayheart share two daughters, Billie and Georgia, who, according to the family statement, were central to his life.

His family reported that he adored his fans and appreciated the support shown to him, especially after his ALS diagnosis.