Eric Dane, “Grey’s Anatomy” Star, Dead At 53
on Feb 19, 2026
Actor Eric Dane has died less than one year after announcing that he had been diagnosed with ALS. He was 53.
Eric Dane rose to fame with his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy.”
In April 2025, Dane announced that he had been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. ALS is a rare degenerative disease that causes muscle paralysis. Most people live for three to five years after diagnosis.
Dane’s family announced his passing in a statement released to PEOPLE on Thursday (Feb. 19).
“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 reads. “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
Eric Dane married actress Rebecca Gayheart in 2004. The couple shared two daughters: Billie and Georgia.
About Eric Dane’s Career
Eric Dane launched his acting career in the ’90s with roles in “Saved by the Bell,” “The Wonder Years,” ” Roseanne,” and more. He landed recurring roles in “Charmed” and “Gideon’s Crossing” as well as made for television movies in the late ’90s and early 2000’s.
His most recognizable role was that of Dr. Mark Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy.” He was a regular on the show for six seasons before his character was killed off.
After leaving “Grey’s Anatomy,” Dane’s career didn’t slow down. He appeared in big screen movies like Valentine’s Day and television dramas such as “Euphoria” which he appeared on until shortly before his death.
In an interview from September 2025, Dane vowed to fight against ALS until his last breath.
“I wanna ring every bell,” Eric told California congressman Eric Swalwell during a meeting in Washington D.C. “I have two daughters at home. I wanna see them graduate college, get married, maybe have grandkids.”
He added, “I wanna be there for all that. So, I’m gonna fight until the last breath on this one.”
