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

Actor Eric Dane, best known for his role as “Dr. Mark Sloan” on the hit ABC medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” has died at age 53 following his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

News of his passing comes nearly one year after he announced his ALS diagnosis, after having first experienced symptoms over a year earlier.

“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” Dane’s family confirmed in a statement to People.

“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects the nervous system in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control and movement.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the motor neurons will gradually deteriorate and then die. There is no cure for ALS, and patients usually have a life expectancy of three to five years after initial diagnosis.

“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,” the statement continued.

“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. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”

Dane’s condition had been rapidly progressing over the last couple of months, with his estranged wife Rebecca Gayheart speaking out in December 2025, confirming that the actor required around-the-clock care.

Gayheart, who filed for divorce from Dane in 2018 after 14 years of marriage but never finalized it, explained at the time that despite their personal differences, she came together with their two daughters to take on caregiving responsibilities.

Born in 1972, Dane, a San Francisco native, moved to Los Angeles after graduating high school and made his television debut in 1993 on “The Wonder Years.”

He landed acting stints on shows like “Married… with Children,” “Silk Stalkings,” and “Roseanne,” before landing a recurring role as “Dr. Wyatt Cooper” in “Gideon’s Crossing” in 2000 and later acting in two seasons of “Charmed.”

Dane’s first big-screen role came in 2006, in the German-made feature “Open Water 2: Adrift,” and he also appeared in other popular films, such as “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “Marley & Me,” and “Valentine’s Day.”

He rose to prominence, however, during his role as the handsome surgeon “Dr. Mark Sloan” on “Grey’s Anatomy” from 2006 until his departure in 2012. During that time, Dane struggled with addiction, candidly opening up about his sobriety journey in 2024.

His other popular credits include the HBO drama “Euphoria” and the 2024 film “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” but Dane’s final role came in October of last year, when he appeared on NBC’s “Brilliant Minds” playing the role of a firefighter battling ALS.