Farewell to Eric Dane: The iconic actor behind ‘McSteamy’ dies at 53 after ALS battle

Hollywood's brightest smile dimmed too soon. Eric Dane, best known for playing Dr Mark Sloan, nicknamed "McSteamy" on Grey’s Anatomy, has died at 53 after a long fight with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). His representatives announced his death on Thursday, and fans and the entertainment world are heartbroken.

The statement read, “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife Rebecca Gayheart, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the centre of his world.”

The then 52-year-old actor confirmed the ALS diagnosis in an exclusive interview with "People" in 2025 that he had been experiencing symptoms for over a year and a half. Known as a rare degenerative neurological condition, ALS progressively robs individuals of their ability to move, speak, and eventually breathe. Despite the devastating diagnosis, Dane’s fight was marked by resilience and advocacy.

"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. His family now mourns privately as they navigate the unimaginable loss.

Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane’s early life was shaped by tragedy. His father died of a gunshot wound when Dane was just seven years old, a loss that left a lasting impact. Reflecting on the experience, Dane once said: “Until I became a parent myself, I never realized how devastating that must have been.”

Though acting wasn’t always in his plans, a chance role in a high school production of All My Sons ignited his love for the craft. After graduating, Dane moved to Los Angeles with just $40 in his pocket, determined to carve out a career in the entertainment industry.

While the road wasn’t easy, he candidly admitted to PEOPLE that he spent eight years "partying and getting into trouble," he eventually found his footing with guest roles on shows like Saved by the Bell, The Wonder Years, and Charmed.

However, it was his unforgettable debut on "Grey’s Anatomy" in 2006 that skyrocketed him to international fame. Introduced as plastic surgeon Mark Sloan, Dane’s undeniable charisma and smouldering good looks quickly made him a fan favourite. What was initially a guest appearance turned into a main role, with his character’s mix of charm, vulnerability, and sensuality capturing hearts across Shondaland and beyond.

“It just kind of made sense,” Dane reflected in a 2019 interview with Glamour, discussing the sensuality of his character. “I felt like I had an artistic obligation to not shy away from that part of the character. And to a degree, there’s a lot of me in that guy.”

Dane left Grey’s Anatomy in 2012, with his character’s tragic death marking the end of an era. Reflecting on his departure, Dane shared in a 2024 episode of Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast that the decision wasn’t entirely his. Struggling with addiction at the time, Dane admitted that he had become "very expensive" for the network.

A career beyond "McSteamy"

Following "Grey’s Anatomy", Dane’s career continued to thrive. From 2014 to 2018, he commanded the screen as the captain of a Navy destroyer in TNT’s post-apocalyptic drama "The Last Ship".

More recently, he delivered a haunting performance as Cal Jacobs, a father with a double life, in HBO’s groundbreaking series "Euphoria". His portrayal resonated deeply with audiences, showing a depth and complexity that underscored his range as an actor.

As fans and the entertainment world come to terms with his loss, the words of his family serve as a poignant reminder: “Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.”