Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria’ actor and ALS awareness advocate, dies aged 53

Euronews · Feb 20, 2026 · Collected from RSS

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Published on 20/02/2026 - 7:12 GMT+1 Renowned actor Eric Dane, well known for his roles in "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria," passed away on Thursday at the age of 53, his representatives said. Dane died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known also as Lou Gehrig’s disease, less than a year after he announced his diagnosis. “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,” said a statement that requested privacy for his family. “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 statement added. The American actor developed a devoted fanbase when his big break arrived in the mid-2000s: He was cast as Dr. Mark Sloan, aka McSteamy, on the ABC medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” a role he would play from 2006 until 2012 and reprise in 2021. Although his character was killed off on the show after a plane crash, Dane’s character left an indelible mark on the still-running show: Seattle Grace Hospital became Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Last April, Dane announced he had been diagnosed with ALS, a progressive disease that attacks nerve cells controlling muscles throughout the body. He then became an advocate for ALS awareness, speaking at a news conference in Washington on health insurance prior authorisation. “Some of you may know me from TV shows, such as ‘Grey’s Anatomy,' in which I play a doctor. But I am here today to speak briefly as a patient battling ALS,” he said in June last year. Dane received the ALS Network's advocate of the year award in September in recognition of his dedication to promoting awareness and support for those with ALS. Born on November 9, 1972, Dane grew up in Northern California. When Dane was seven, his father, an architect and Navy veteran, passed away from a gunshot wound, according to the actor.