Tributes have poured in from across Hollywood following the death of Eric Dane, the beloved Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria star, who has died aged 53 after a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
@greysloanhospx miss mark and his jokes sm 🥲 vid creds: @/pinkdaises #greysanatomy #fyp #marksloan #slexie #foryou #funny #ericdane #merder #marksloanoncesaid #fy ♬ original sound - 💙
The actor’s family confirmed he passed away on Thursday afternoon, less than a year after publicly revealing his diagnosis with the progressive neurodegenerative disease, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. In a statement, they said: “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS.”
His representatives added that 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.” They noted that throughout his illness, Dane became a passionate advocate for ALS awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate what they described as an “impossible time.”
Dane first revealed his diagnosis in April last year. By June, he had shared that he had lost function in his right arm and hand, and by October he was using a wheelchair. Despite the progression of the disease, he continued working, appearing in what would become his final screen role in the medical drama Brilliant Minds, in an episode centred on ALS — a poignant full-circle moment.
Born on November 9, 1972, Dane moved to Los Angeles at the age of 21 to pursue acting. Early credits included appearances in Saved by the Bell, The Wonder Years, Roseanne, and Married... with Children. His breakout moment came in 2006 when he joined Grey’s Anatomy as Dr Mark “McSteamy” Sloan. Initially introduced as a guest character, his suave, sharp-witted plastic surgeon quickly became a fan favourite, remaining on the show from seasons two to nine.
More recently, he reached a new generation of viewers as Cal Jacobs, the complex and deeply flawed father of Jacob Elordi’s character in Euphoria, which premiered in 2019.
Following news of his death, former co-stars and friends shared heartfelt tributes. Kevin McKidd, who plays Owen Hunt on Grey’s Anatomy, wrote on Instagram: “Rest in Peace Buddy.” In a separate statement, he reflected: “He had a natural charisma and comedic dead pan timing like no other. I was honored and blessed to get to work with him on this iconic show. All of us at Grey’s send our love and condolences to his family - he is a huge part of our show and always will be.”
Kim Raver described him as a “light”, writing: “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 added: “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! You will be missed.”
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Sarah Drew and James Pickens Jr also shared messages of remembrance, each writing: “Rest in Peace.”
Euphoria creator Sam Levinson said: “I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing.” The official Euphoria and HBO accounts added: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Eric 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.”
ABC and 20th Television said in a joint statement: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Eric Dane. His remarkable talent and unforgettable presence on Grey’s Anatomy left a lasting impact on audiences around the world, and his courage and grace during his battle with ALS inspired so many.”
Alyssa Milano, who starred opposite Dane in Charmed, shared an emotional tribute: “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.” She continued: “He had a razor-sharp sense of humor. He loved the absurdity of things. He loved catching people off guard.”
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Reflecting on his devotion to his family, she added: “And when it came to his daughters and Rebecca, everything in him softened… A breathtakingly beautiful family.”
Nina Dobrev, who worked with Dane on 2022’s Redeeming Love, wrote: “He was warm, generous, prepared, and so passionate about what he did. He led with kindness and made everyone on our set feel seen. ALS is a cruel and unforgiving disease.”
Ashton Kutcher paid tribute on X, writing: “The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane. We know you’ll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS.”
The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane. We know you’ll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS. pic.twitter.com/00TtwmQHAK
— ashton kutcher (@aplusk) February 20, 2026
Maria Shriver, whose imprint is due to publish Dane’s forthcoming memoir Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, remembered him as a “heroic” advocate for ALS awareness and vowed to honour his story.
I’m heartbroken by this devastating news about Eric Dane. What a tragedy. He was so heroic the way he handled his diagnosis. He used his voice to let the world know what it was like living with ALS.
I was honored he chose my publishing imprint to publish his memoir. He told me… pic.twitter.com/0A61G2uVcd
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) February 20, 2026
Other tributes came from John Stamos, Robert Patrick, Travis Van Winkle, and colleagues from The Last Ship, where Dane starred as Tom Chandler from 2014 to 2018, as well as castmates from across his three-decade career.
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Dane married actress Rebecca Gayheart in 2004. Though the couple later separated, they remained close. He is survived by Gayheart and their two teenage daughters.
Across generations of television fans, Eric Dane leaves behind an indelible legacy — not only as the charismatic “McSteamy” who lit up hospital corridors, but as a devoted father, colleague and advocate who faced an unforgiving illness with visible courage.
