From McSteamy to Mentor, Eric Dane Leaves Legacy

Seasoned actor Eric Dane died on Thursday at 53 after fighting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis for an extended period of time. His representatives confirmed he passed away less than a year after publicly revealing his diagnosis. 

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He was known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, among other famous films and series.

From Diagnosis to Advocacy

Dane started to speak about the disease that attacks his muscles as he received an ALS diagnosis in April 2025. Speaking on Good Morning America last summer, he admitted feeling “angry,” noting the fear of being taken from his daughters at a young age. As he feared, his father also died when he was 7.

The ALS Network recognized him as Advocate of the Year in September 2025 because he worked to raise awareness and fund research efforts.

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A Career That Left a Mark on Television

Dane became a household name in the mid-2000s when he joined Grey's Anatomy as Dr. Mark Sloan. He made regular appearances in the role for six years and then returned to it for a short time in 2021. 

His character created an unforgettable impression on the audience through its character development and sudden demise.

He later portrayed Cal Jacobs in Euphoria and Captain Tom Chandler in The Last Ship. Earlier credits included Charmed, Marley & Me, Valentine’s Day, and X-Men: The Last Stand, which showed his ability to perform in multiple artistic archetypes throughout his lengthy career.

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A Legacy Beyond the Screen

Tributes have poured in from co-stars and creators. Kim Raver recalled his “perfect comedic timing,” while Euphoria creator Sam Levinson said, “Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift.”

Dane’s journey echoes other public figures who used personal battles to spotlight ALS. His legacy combines unforgettable performances with determined advocacy, leaving a lasting impact on both television and the fight against motor neurone disease.

In a statement, his family said he spent his final days surrounded by “dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia.” The message added that he “will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always,” while requesting privacy.

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