A former colleague has paid tribute to Eric Dane after he lost his battle with ALS at just 53, 10 months after he announced he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Dane, who has captured the hearts of many in his decades on the screen, had been active and vocal about his advocacy to find a cure for ALS, a progressive condition that impacts nerves and muscle control.
The Grey's Anatomy star had spoken about its impact on his and his family’s lives, and on those around the world who continue to struggle with the disorder every day.
While many might remember Dane from his last role on TV as Cal Jacobs on the hit HBO series, Euphoria, his biggest following arguably comes from his time playing Dr Mark Sloan, aka McSteamy on the Shonda Rhimes' hospital drama.
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In it, he spent a lot of time with many different colleagues, but there was one that stands out among the rest.
His character arc including Chyler Leigh, aka Lexie Grey.
Having played his love interest that broke everyone’s heart on the ABC show, she revealed just how much his death has impacted her.
“The last 48 hours have been devastating,” Chyler said in a statement to E! News. “I never thought I would be using the term ‘had or was,’ but here we are. And I hate it.”
“Eric had a heart of gold,” she went on to say, adding of her colleague. “His humor and, especially, his laugh was infectious. He was a deeply intelligent man who could carry a philosophical conversation for hours even while we were on set. He was an amazing father and loved his girls FIERCELY. Incredibly passionate about his work and the causes he kept close to his heart.”
Leigh went on to reveal how his legacy will live on, sharing: "The Universe is undoubtedly holding Eric now, just as I will continue to do within my heart forever.”
Dane’s family confirmed the tragic news to People on 19 February, with the statement reading: "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."
In his last interview with Tudum, Dane revealed during the taping of his Famous Last Words in November 2025: "First, live now. Right now. In the present. It’s hard, but I learned to do that.
"For years, I have been wandering around mentally and lost in my head for long chunks of time, wallowing and worrying in self-pity, shame, and doubt.
"I’ve replayed decisions, second-guessed myself. ‘I shouldn’t have done this. I never should’ve that’.
"No more. Out of pure survival, I am forced to stay in the present. But I don’t want to be anywhere else," Dane shared on-screen.
"The past contains regrets. The future remains unknown. So you have to live now. The present is all you have. Treasure it."
Topics: Health, Celebrity, TV and Film
Britt Jones