Eric Dane, best known for his role as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy, has died from ALS. He was 53 years old.
Eric Dane passed away in the afternoon on Thursday, February 20. The actor shared the news of his diagnosis back in April 2025, after having experienced symptoms for a year and a half earlier. ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rare degenerative disease that breaks down motor function. The Grey Anatomy star’s team released the following statement announcing Dane’s death.
“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife [actress Rebecca Gayheart] and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” the statement reads And goes on to say, “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. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
The San Francisco native made his acting debut in 1991 in an episode of Saved by the Bell. His breakout role came in 2006, when he joined Grey’s Anatomy as the hunky plastic surgeon nicknamed “McSteamy.” Dane went on to play the role for eight years. He also starred for five seasons as a U.S. Navy captain on The Last Ship, Phoebe’s boss in Charmed, and as Nate Jacob’s dad in HBO’s Euphoria. Big-screen projects include X-Men: The Last Stand and Marley & Me, starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston. More recently, the actor appeared in Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024), Borderline (2025), and Brilliant Minds.
Since announcing his diagnosis in 2025, Dane became very outspoken about his battle with ALS. He spoke frequently on social media and in interviews about the challenges of living with ALS, becoming an advocate to raise funds for research. In December, he joined the Target ALS Board of Directors.
Dane leaves behind his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and two daughters. Making his first appearance as “McSteamy” in nothing but just a towel, the actor will be missed dearly.