US actor Eric Dane, best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan in the hit medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, has died at the age of 53.
According to reports on Thursday, Dane passed away following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative neurological condition also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He publicly disclosed his diagnosis in April 2025.
In a statement shared with CBS News, his family confirmed that he died Thursday afternoon after what they described as a courageous fight against ALS. They said he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones, including his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia.
Born in San Francisco, Dane began his acting career in the early 1990s with television appearances, including a role in Saved by the Bell. He rose to global fame in 2006 when he joined Grey’s Anatomy as the charismatic plastic surgeon Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan, becoming a fan favourite on the long-running series.
In later years, Dane expanded his career with roles in film and television, including a prominent part in HBO’s Euphoria, introducing him to a new generation of viewers.
His death marks the loss of a versatile actor whose performances left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
