American actor Eric Dane, known for beloved characters like Dr. Mark Sloan (a.k.a. McSteamy) on “Grey’s Anatomy,” died Thursday after a battle with ALS, his publicist announced.
Dane was 53 years old. He had announced his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, nearly one year ago and had spent the time since advocating for awareness and research around the disease.
“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the centre of his world,” a statement announcing his death read. “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.”
His fans, equally adoring, took to the internet with thousands of heartfelt tributes. His co-stars and colleagues also posted messages on Thursday night.
Alyssa Milano, Dane’s co-star on “Charmed,” where she played his character’s love interest, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram in wake of the news.
“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,” Milano wrote alongside a photo of Dane, his wife, actor Rebecca Gayheart and his children.
“And when it came to his daughters and Rebecca, everything in him softened,” her message continued. “My heart is with the people who were lucky enough to be his home.”
In 2000, Dane appeared in an episode of “Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane” alongside actress Selma Blair. She took to her Instagram stories, sharing a clip from the episode with the caption: “I love you. And yours.”
Dane’s movie brother John Stamos took to Instagram with photos of the pair from their 2006 movie “Wedding Wars” to mourn a “good guy” lost “too soon.”
Ashton Kutcher, his “Valentine’s Day” co-star wrote in a tribute on X: “Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS.”
Grey’s Anatomy co-stars react
Dane had his breakout role when he starred as Dr. Mark Sloan in the ABC-hit medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy.” Although his character was killed off on the show following a plane crash, his character left an indelible mark on the still-running series: what was originally Seattle Grace Hospital became Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
Kevin McKidd, who plays Dr. Owen Hunt on “Grey’s Anatomy,” took to his Instagram stories with a photo of Dane as Sloan writing, “Rest in Peace Buddy.”
Sharing the same photo of Dane on her Instagram stories, Sarah Drew, who played Dr. April Kepner on the series for nine seasons, wrote “Rest in peace” in tribute to her co-star.
In the early hours of Friday morning, Kim Raver who plays Dr. Teddy Altman on “Grey’s Anatomy” posted photos of herself and Dane on Instagram, calling her late co-star “a light” in the heartfelt caption.
“You’d see it effortlessly shine from him on the set of Grey’s as well as when he was with Rebecca and the girls,” she wrote, referencing Dane’s family. “During filming he’d get this twinkle in his eye and with a mischievous look, he would deliver with perfect comedic timing, a line of dialogue that would floor you!”
Krista Vernoff, who has produced and written for “Grey’s Anatomy,” posted screenshots of a text exchange with Dane to her Instagram on Friday morning, with a caption about how she had asked Dane to return to the show and shoot some scenes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“He said where and when. When I came to set that day, he said, we’re breaking the rules and hugging now right?” Vernoff wrote. “What I will remember most about Eric Dane are his hugs. The best hugs. Oh my friend. I wish you peace.”
Euphoria and recent projects
Dane played the role of Cal Jacobs in the HBO drama “Euphoria,” until his death. Director Sam Levinson shared a statement with Deadline, expressing his heartbreak.
“Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing,” the statement read.
HBO Max also issued a statement on Dane’s passing.
“He was incredibly talented and HBO was fortunate to have worked with him on three seasons of Euphoria. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time,” it read, in part.
In 2024, Dane starred in the buddy cop action comedy film, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” His co-star, actor and comedian Martin Lawrence, shared photos of the duo from the set and shared his condolences in an Instagram post on Thursday.
“I can tell you firsthand — solid brotha, true professional, and brought that presence every single time,” Lawrence wrote.
Canadian actor Alexander Ludwig who also starred in “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” took to his Instagram Stories to pay tribute to Dane.
“Ugh this hurts so much. Will miss you Eric and loved our time together,” he wrote. “You were a joy to work with.”
Actor and wrestler Paul Walter Hauser, who starred alongside Dane in the 2023 crime thriller, “Americana,” shared a photo of the pair together on Instagram.
“We tried to book gigs, we tried to laugh at the pain and we tried to stay sober,” he wrote in tribute. “I love you, man. I wish we had more time.”
Nina Dobrev, who starred with Dane in the 2022 film “Redeeming Love,” shared a tribute on her Instagram stories.
“Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Eric Dane,” she wrote alongside a photo from Dane on the set “ALS is a cruel and unforgiving disease. May his memory inspire more research, awareness, and progress toward a cure.”
Dane also shared a screen with Frank Grillo in the 2023 action-thriller “Little Dixie.” On Thursday night, Grillo shared a still from the movie showing himself and Dane, writing, “My heart is broken. We lost a good man.”
Dane starred as Admiral Tom Chandler in the postapocalyptic action drama, “The Last Ship,” between 2014 and 2018. His co-star, Travis Van Winkle, posted a photo of the pair to his Instagram stories Thursday night.
“I learned so much from Eric. He was a great man,” he wrote. “Thanks for the memories my friend.”
Dane’s ALS advocacy
In April 2025, Dane announced he had been diagnosed with ALS, a progressive disease that attacks nerve cells controlling muscles throughout the body.
ALS gradually destroys the nerve cells and connections needed to walk, talk, speak and breathe. Most patients die within three to five years of a diagnosis.
The ALS Association shared a statement following Dane’s loss on Thursday night, expressing their sadness.
“In his final months, he didn’t just fight for himself — he fought for everyone living with ALS and their loved ones,” the statement on X read. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends. We desperately need to cure this devastating disease.”
With files from The Associated Press
