'Grey's Anatomy' Star Eric Dane Dies of ALS at 53
Actor Eric Dane, who rose to fame in Charmed and Grey's Anatomy, has died at 53 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
PEOPLE first reported Dane's passing, which comes 10 months after he revealed he had been diagnosed with the progressive and terminal neurodegenerative disease. Other outlets have since confirmed the news.
Dane died earlier today, family says
According to TMZ, Dane passed away Thursday afternoon at a Los Angeles hospital surrounded by his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, their two daughters and other friends and family.
Dane's family released a statement through PEOPLE tonight announcing his death.
"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," the statement says. "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. 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.”
Dane faced illness publicly
Dane announced he had been diagnosed with ALS in April 2025. In a June 2025 interview with Good Morning America, he said he began experiencing symptoms 18 months earlier.
“I didn’t really think anything of it at the time,” Dane said of his first symptoms. “I thought maybe I’d been texting too much or my hand was fatigued, but a few weeks later I noticed it got a little worse. So I went and saw a hand specialist, who sent me to another hand specialist. I went and saw a neurologist and the neurologist sent me to another neurologist and said, ‘This is way above my pay grade.'"
Despite his health struggle, Dane was able to appear in an episode of NBC’s Brilliant Minds back in the fall. It was the final role of his career.
Remembering Dane's work and legacy
Born November 9, 1972 in San Francisco, California, Dane made his acting debut in a 1991 episode of Saved by the Bell. He went on to appear in other shows such as The Wonder Years, Married... with Children and Gideon's Crossing before breaking through as Jason Dean on Charmed in 2003-04.
Dane was later cast as Dr. Mark Sloan ("Dr. McSteamy") on Grey's Anatomy, appearing in 139 episodes of the long-running ABC drama from 2006-12 and 2021. He also had major roles in The Last Ship, Euphoria, Countdown, Kabul and The Fixer.
Dane also had parts in movies such as Marley & Me, Valentine’s Day, Americana, Burlesque, X-Men: The Last Stand, American Carnage and Bad Boys: Ride or Die.