Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria star Eric Dane dies aged 53
He died a year after revealing he had ALS
The actor Eric Dane has died at the age of 53, his family have confirmed.
Dane played Dr Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy and Cal Jacobs on Euphoria, and is also remembered for his roles in Charmed, Marley & Me, Saved by the Bell and The Wonder Years.
He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - sometimes called Lou Gehrig's disease - last year.
His family said in a statement: "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.
"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."
He had been married to fellow actor Rebecca Gayheart, with the couple sharing two children.
Gayheart called off the pair's divorce a month before Dane went public with his ALS diagnosis. They had been separated for seven years.
She told the Broad Ideas podcast in November 2025 she wanted to be there for her family 'when times are at their worst'.
ALS is a degenerative disease which results in progressive muscle paralysis, those with it slowly lose their ability to move independently.
Eventually, a person diagnosed with the disease will not be able to eat or breathe independently.
Speaking to Good Morning America last year, Dane said his ALS diagnosis made him 'angry'.
"My father was taken from me when I was young. And now, you know, there's a very good chance I'm going to be taken from my girls while they're very young," he had said.
In the same interview, he confirmed he had lost the use of his right arm and was concerned that in a few months he would lose the use of his other hand.
In April 2025, Dane revealed he was filming scenes for the upcoming third season of Euphoria. He said at the time: "I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working."
Due to his health, he filmed his scenes in a wheelchair.
The show's creator Sam Levinson paid tribute to the actor in a statement provided to Variety.
He said: "I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing."
Dane had been scheduled to receive an award last month for his work raising awareness of ALS, but had been unable to attend ‘due to the physical realities of ALS’, People reported.
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Joe Harker