Eric Dane, best known for playing Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy, has died at 53.

The actor passed away on Thursday, Feb. 19, less than a year after revealing he had been diagnosed with ALS in 2025. His family confirmed that he spent his final days surrounded by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie and Georgia.

In a statement, his family shared that Dane became a strong voice for ALS awareness after his diagnosis. They said he remained determined to help others facing the same fight and asked for privacy as they grieve.

According to his longtime friend and former costar Patrick Dempsey, Dane’s health declined quickly in recent days. Speaking on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show, Dempsey said he had texted Dane about a week before his death. At the time, the actor was beginning to lose his ability to speak.

“He was bedridden,” Dempsey shared, adding that swallowing had become very difficult. He said it was painful to watch his friend’s quality of life change so fast.

Still, Dempsey made it clear he wants to remember Dane for the joy he brought to set.

“He was the funniest man,” he said. “He had a great sense of humor. He was easy to work with. We got along instantly.”

Dane starred on Grey’s Anatomy from season 2 through season 9 and later appeared in Euphoria as Cal Jacobs. He also filmed scenes for the upcoming third season of the HBO drama before his passing.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rare illness that affects nerve cells and causes progressive paralysis. There is no cure. After sharing his diagnosis publicly in April 2025, Dane pushed for more research and better access to care. He said at the time that he planned to “fight to the last breath.”

He is survived by Gayheart and their two daughters.

Tributes Pour In From Costars and Friends

After news of his death broke, tributes flooded social media from friends, coworkers and fans.

Kevin McKidd reposted a photo of Dane on the Grey’s Anatomy set and wrote simply, “Rest in peace buddy.”

Kim Raver shared a throwback photo of them in scrubs and another with Dane and Gayheart. She called him “a light” and said he had a mischievous sparkle in his eye that made every scene better.

Sarah Drew and James Pickens Jr. also posted messages of love and prayer.

Former showrunner Krista Vernoff shared screenshots of text messages from when Dane returned to the show in 2021. She said what she’ll remember most are his hugs. “The best hugs,” she wrote. “Oh my friend. I wish you peace.”

From his earlier career, Alyssa Milano remembered his sharp humor and how deeply he loved his family. She described the spark in his eyes and the way he softened around his wife and daughters.

Ashton Kutcher paid tribute online, saying he would miss him in their fantasy football league and urging continued support for ALS research.

Sam Levinson, creator of Euphoria, called working with Dane an honor and said his memory would be a blessing. Nina Dobrev said she was heartbroken and described him as warm, generous and kind.

ALS advocate Selma Blair and journalist Maria Shriver also shared messages honoring his courage and his fight to raise awareness.

Networks joined in as well. HBO praised his powerful work across three seasons of Euphoria. ABC and 20th Television remembered his talent and the mark he left on television.

A Legacy Bigger Than the Screen

Eric Dane built a career on charm, timing and presence. On Grey’s Anatomy, he became a fan favorite almost instantly. On Euphoria, he showed a darker, more layered side.

But in his final year, many say his greatest role was that of advocate and devoted father.

He spoke openly about wanting to see his daughters grow up. He talked about college graduations, weddings and future grandkids. Even as his body weakened, his focus stayed on family and hope.

Now, as tributes continue to pour in, friends say they will remember the laughter, the hugs and the light he brought into every room.

And for many fans, McSteamy will always live on.

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