Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ & ‘Euphoria’ Star, Dies at 53

Hollywood is mourning the loss of Eric Dane, best known for his roles on “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” who died Thursday at the age of 53 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The diagnosis was made public in April 2025.

Tributes from Colleagues and Creators

Sam Levinson, creator of “Euphoria,” expressed his heartbreak in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. “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,” Levinson said.

Alyssa Milano, who worked with Dane on “Charmed,” shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, recalling his sharp wit and the tenderness he reserved for his family. “I can’t stop seeing that spark in Eric’s eye right before he’d say something that would either make you spit out your drink or rethink your entire perspective,” she wrote. “He had a razor-sharp sense of humor…He loved the absurdity of things.” Milano also noted his devotion to his wife, Rebecca Gayheart and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia.

Kevin McKidd, a co-star on “Grey’s Anatomy,” posted a photo of Dane as Dr. Mark Sloan on Instagram Stories, writing, “Rest in peace buddy.” He added in a statement to Extra, “Eric was incredible to work alongside. He had a natural charisma and comedic dead pan timing like no other. I was honored and blessed to obtain to work with him on this iconic show. All of us at ‘Grey’s’ send our love and condolences to his family — he is a huge part of our show and always will be.”

Sarah Drew, also from “Grey’s Anatomy,” shared the same photo on Instagram Stories with the message, “Rest in peace,” accompanied by three crying emojis.

Krista Vernoff, a former “Grey’s Anatomy” showrunner, recalled asking Dane to reprise his role for a dream sequence in Season 17 during the COVID-19 pandemic. She shared on Instagram, “He said where and when. When I came to set that day, he said, we’re breaking the rules and hugging now right?” Vernoff remembered Dane’s hugs as “the best hugs,” adding, “Oh my friend. I wish you peace.”

Additional Tributes

Selma Blair shared a clip of her and Eric from “Zoe, Duncan, Jack and Jane” on Instagram Stories, writing, “I love you. And yours.”

Ashton Kutcher paid tribute on X, writing, “The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane. We know you’ll be watching from the booth,” Kutcher wrote. “Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS.”

John Stamos shared on Instagram, “RIP, Buddy. Me and @realericdane played brothers years ago in a beautiful movie called, Wedding Wars. Good guy. Too soon. Xo J.”

Paul Walter Hauser posted on Instagram, “We tried to book gigs, we tried to laugh at the pain and we tried to stay sober. I’m glad we got to play together in Americana,” he captioned the post. “I love you, man. I wish we had more time. Enjoy the arms of Father God. I’ll see you again. 🫡 RIP #EricDane.”

Frank Grillo, who worked with Dane on “Little Dixie,” wrote on Instagram, “My heart is broken. We lost a good man @realericdane who i had the pleasure of sharing the screen with. We became pals and laughed often. My prayers go out to his beautiful family 🙏💔 see you on the other side brother.”

Michael Grassi, creator of “Brilliant Minds,” told Extra in a statement, “Eric was a TV icon who lit up our screens for decades and it was the greatest honor of my career to work with him. Not only was he a tremendous talent, he was also generous, kind and brave. I’m thinking about his family and loved ones today. He will be missed.”

Maria Shriver shared on X, “I’m heartbroken by this devastating news about Eric Dane. What a tragedy. He was so heroic the way he handled his diagnosis. He used his voice to let the world know what it was like living with ALS. I was honored he chose my publishing imprint to publish his memoir. He told me he wanted his family to know how much he loved them, and he wanted to leave them a story they could be proud of. My love goes out to his family, and to all those battling this cruel disease, as well as all those caring for someone battling it.”

Nina Dobrev, who worked with Dane on “Redeeming Love,” posted on Instagram Stories, “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Eric. He was warm, generous, prepared, and so passionate about what he did. He led with kindness and made everyone on our set perceive seen. ALS is a cruel and unforgiving disease.” She added, “May his memory inspire more research, awareness, and progress toward a cure. He will be deeply missed. Sending love and heartfelt condolences to his family.”