‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star Eric Dane Dies at 53 Following ALS Battle

Eric Dane, best known for his roles as Dr. Mark Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy” and Cal Jacobs on “Euphoria,” has died at the age of 53 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), his family confirmed. He passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, according to a statement released to TODAY.com.

ALS Diagnosis and Advocacy

Dane publicly announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, and quickly became an advocate for raising awareness and funding research for the disease. He partnered with “I Am ALS” on its Push for Progress initiative, aiming to find a cure for ALS .

Tributes from Co-Stars and Colleagues

Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in from fellow actors and colleagues. Patrick Dempsey, who played Dr. Derek Shepherd on “Grey’s Anatomy,” described Dane as “a joy to work with” . Dempsey also expressed shock at the speed of the disease’s progression, stating he hadn’t anticipated Dane’s passing so soon .

Early Life and Career

Born in San Francisco in 1972, Eric Dane began his television career in 1993 with a role in “The Wonder Years.” He went on to appear in “Charmed,” “The Last Ship,” and films such as “Marley & Me,” “Valentine’s Day,” and “Burlesque” . He first joined the cast of “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2006, becoming a main cast member and earning the nickname “Dr. McSteamy” .

Family and Legacy

Eric Dane is survived by his wife, actress and model Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. His family stated that he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support he received from fans , .

Understanding ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control . The disease is fatal and currently has no cure, gradually impacting the ability to move, speak, eat, and breathe. Approximately 30,000 people in the United States are affected by ALS at any given time .

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Pays Tribute

A touching tribute to Eric Dane was aired on American television following the latest episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” on February 27. The 65-second video montage featured memorable moments from his time on the present, set to the song “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol. The video has garnered over 582,000 likes on the series’ official Instagram account.