Actor Eric Dane, best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy, has died at age 53 following a battle with ALS. The beloved television star passed away surrounded by family less than a year after publicly revealing his diagnosis.
Television actor Eric Dane, beloved for his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan on the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, has passed away at the age of 53 following his fight against ALS, his family announced Thursday.
Dane spent a decade and a half bringing the charismatic plastic surgeon known as “McSteamy” to life on the popular series. More recently, he appeared in the HBO drama Euphoria and had planned to continue filming the show’s upcoming third season despite his health challenges.
According to statements released to People magazine and other outlets, Dane’s family shared: “Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS.”
The family continued: “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.”
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a devastating neurological condition that gradually destroys the connection between the brain and muscles. The disease takes its alternate name from the legendary Yankees first baseman who succumbed to it in 1941 when he was just 37 years old.
Dane’s family noted his commitment to helping others facing the same illness: “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.”
The actor had been married to fellow performer Rebecca Gayheart, with whom he shared two daughters. Though the couple separated in 2018 following 14 years of marriage, reports indicate that Gayheart moved to withdraw her divorce filing last March, shortly before Dane made his diagnosis public.
Born Eric William Dane in San Francisco on November 9, 1972, he was the elder of two sons born to an architect father and stay-at-home mother. His entertainment career began with a small part on The Wonder Years in 1993, but his breakthrough came in 2005 when he joined Grey’s Anatomy. His film work included roles in popular movies such as Marley & Me and X-Men: The Last Stand.