Eric Dane, the actor best known for his roles in 'Grey’s Anatomy' and 'Euphoria', died on Thursday, at the age of 53 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His family confirmed his death after what they described as a “courageous battle” with ALS.
Dane publicly revealed his diagnosis in April 2025, describing the progressive neurological condition that damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually leading to paralysis. Despite the prognosis, he remained professionally active, completing filming for the third season of Euphoria, sometimes using a wheelchair, and appearing in NBC’s Brilliant Minds as a firefighter living with ALS.
Eric Dane was born in San Francisco in 1972 and grew up in northern California. He was seven when his father died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, an event he later said had a lasting impact on him.
At secondary school, he was a competitive water polo player before discovering acting in a production of Arthur Miller’s 'All My Sons'. He moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in television and began securing roles in the early 1990s, including appearances on 'Saved by the Bell', 'The Wonder Years', 'Charmed' and 'Gideon’s Crossing.'
Dane became widely known in 2006 when he joined Grey’s Anatomy as Dr Mark Sloan. Initially cast for a single episode, he became a series regular for six seasons, appearing in 140 episodes. His character earned the nickname ‘McSteamy’ and became one of the drama’s most recognisable figures.
After leaving 'Grey’s Anatomy' in 2012, he led the action drama 'The Last Ship' from 2014 to 2018 as Captain Tom Chandler, commander of a U.S. naval destroyer navigating a global pandemic.
He later joined 'Euphoria' as Cal Jacobs, the troubled father of Nate Jacobs, a role praised for its intensity and complexity.
ALS also known as motor neurone disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurological disorder for which there is no cure. It typically leads to loss of muscle control and, over time, paralysis. Average survival ranges from two to five years, though some patients, including physicist Stephen Hawking, lived much longer.
After his diagnosis, Dane spoke candidly about the fear of leaving his daughters while still young. He used his profile to advocate for research and awareness, supporting organisations including Target ALS.
In January 2026, he was named Advocate of the Year by the ALS Network.
Dane married Rebecca Gayheart in 2004. The couple had two daughters. Although Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, she later withdrew the petition and remained by his side following his diagnosis, confirming in late 2025 that he required 24-hour care.
Throughout his career, Dane combined commercial success with emotional depth, moving from romantic lead to complex dramatic roles. In his final year, he transformed personal adversity into advocacy, leaving a legacy that extended beyond television.
He is survived by his wife and their two daughters.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 12th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The 32 countries belonging to the Internatioanl Energy Agency agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil on Wednesday (11 March), in efforts aimed at bringing down the price of crude oil, which has soared since fighting between Iran, Israel and the U.S. started at the end of February.
Explosive-laden Iranian boats reportedly attacked two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters on Wednesday, killing one crew member, after four other vessels were hit in the Gulf. The attacks, targeting ships linked to the U.S. and Europe, raise the total struck in the region.
A towering lava fountain from Kilauea shot about 400 metres into the air late on Tuesday (11 March) on Hawaii Island, prompting temporary closures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and part of a key highway as volcanic ash and debris fell over nearby areas.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of global concern as tensions rise following the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Tehran has threatened to block the strategic waterway, raising fears of disruption to global oil shipments and energy markets.
Norwegian police apprehended three brothers suspected of carrying out Sunday's (8 March) bombing at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, in an attack investigators have branded an act of terrorism.
A 35-year-old woman was charged with attempted murder on Tuesday (10 March) after allegedly firing a semi-automatic rifle at the Los Angeles home of pop star Rihanna on Sunday, prosecutors said.
Hindu devotees in the northern town of Barsana in Uttar Pradesh celebrated ‘Laddoo Holi’ on Tuesday (24 February), a traditional pre-Holi ritual honouring the Hindu deity Krishna.
Robert Carradine, best known for his roles in The Long Riders, Revenge of the Nerds and the television series Lizzie McGuire, has died at the age of 71 following a years-long battle with mental illness.
A seven-month-old Japanese macaque has drawn international attention after forming an unusual bond with a stuffed orangutan toy after being rejected by its mother.
Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor renowned for his steely intensity and commanding performances in films including The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has died at the age of 95.
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