Actor Eric Dane, best known for his role in the television series “Grey’s Anatomy,” has died at the age of 53, ten months after revealing he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

His family confirmed the news in a statement to People magazine.

“With heavy hearts, we announce that Eric Dane passed away on Thursday afternoon after a courageous battle with ALS,” the statement read. “He spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his devoted wife and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”

The family added that throughout his journey with ALS, Dane became a strong advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same illness. They described him as deeply grateful for the love and support he received from fans and requested privacy during what they called “this difficult and unimaginable time.”

Diagnosis and early symptoms

Dane publicly disclosed his diagnosis in April 2025. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to gradual loss of muscle control. According to the Mayo Clinic, there is currently no cure.

In a June 2025 interview on “Good Morning America,” he spoke openly about the early signs of the disease.

“I started to feel some weakness in my right hand and didn’t think much of it at first,” he told Diane Sawyer. “I thought maybe I was texting too much or that my hand was tired. But a few weeks later I noticed it had worsened.”

Public appearances and decline

In September 2025, Dane was seen at an airport in Washington using a wheelchair and appeared to struggle when speaking briefly to a photographer. When asked what he would say to concerned fans, he responded in a strained voice: “Keep the faith.”

Late last month, he abruptly canceled an appearance at an ALS-related event, citing health issues. He was reportedly “not well enough to attend” due to the physical effects of the disease.

Career and legacy

Born on November 9, 1972, in San Francisco, California, Dane began his acting career in the 1990s with roles in television series. His breakthrough came in 2006 when he joined the cast of “Grey’s Anatomy” as plastic surgeon Mark Sloan, widely known as “McSteamy.”

During his time on the series, he also appeared in films including “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “Marley & Me” and “Burlesque.”

After leaving “Grey’s Anatomy,” he took on leading roles, including in the drama series “The Last Ship.” In 2019, he joined the cast of “Euphoria” as Cal Jacobs, the strict father of the character Nate. He reprised the role in the second season and was expected to appear in the third and final season.

Dane remained professionally active until recently. His last on-screen appearance was in an episode of “Brilliant Minds” last autumn, where he portrayed a firefighter living with ALS. The show’s creator, Michael Grassi, said Dane had expressed a strong desire to take part in the project as he admired the series.

He is survived by his wife and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia.

What is ALS?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective death of motor neurons. The disease leads to increasing muscle weakness and ultimately respiratory failure.

ALS is often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after the famed baseball player who died from the condition in 1941.

The annual incidence is estimated at one to two cases per 100,000 people, with prevalence ranging between four and 13 per 100,000. The exact cause of motor neuron degeneration in ALS remains unknown.

The disease often begins with muscle twitching or weakness in a limb, or with slurred speech. Over time, it affects the ability to move, speak, eat and breathe.

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Eric Dane Dies at 53 After Battle With ALS