🎬Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Euphoria’ Star, Dies at 53 After Battle With ALS

The actor behind Dr. Mark Sloan and Cal Jacobs leaves behind a legacy of complex performances and tireless ALS advocacy.

Eric Dane, the charismatic actor who became a primetime icon as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey's Anatomy and later delivered a haunting turn as Cal Jacobs on HBO’s Euphoria, has died at 53 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

His family confirmed that Dane passed away on February 19, surrounded by loved ones, after publicly revealing his ALS diagnosis in 2025.

“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” his family said in a statement. “He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.”

From ‘McSteamy’ to HBO’s Dark Patriarch

Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane moved to Los Angeles after high school to pursue acting, landing early television roles on series such as Saved by the Bell, The Wonder Years and Married... with Children before securing a recurring role on Gideon's Crossing.

His breakout moment came in 2005, when he guest-starred on “Grey’s Anatomy” during its second season. The audience response was immediate. Promoted to series regular, Dane remained a central figure through Season 8, briefly returning in Season 9 and again nearly two decades later for a nostalgic cameo in Season 17.

ABC and 20th Television called his performance “remarkable,” noting that his presence left “a lasting impact on audiences around the world.”

Beyond Shondaland, Dane’s film career included roles in X-Men: The Last Stand, Marley & Me and cult thriller “Feast,” as well as a starring role in TNT’s naval drama The Last Ship, produced by Michael Bay.

In 2019, he reemerged for a new generation of viewers as Cal Jacobs on “Euphoria,” portraying the morally conflicted father of Nate Jacobs (played by Jacob Elordi). The role, layered and controversial, marked one of the most complex performances of his career. Dane was set to appear in the series’ upcoming third season.

Advocacy Beyond the Screen

Following his ALS diagnosis, Dane became an outspoken advocate for research funding and patient support, working closely with I Am ALS and other advocacy groups. In interviews, he framed his battle not as a private burden but as a public call to service.

“How can I help? How can I be of some service?” he said in a 2025 interview, expressing a determination to use his platform for awareness.

ALS — often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease — remains a progressive neurodegenerative condition without a cure. Dane’s advocacy efforts drew attention to ongoing research and legislative initiatives supporting patients and families affected by the disease.

An Enduring Legacy

Across decades of television and film, Dane built a career defined by charisma, emotional vulnerability, and risk-taking character work. From the glossy romance of network primetime to the psychological intensity of premium cable drama, he bridged eras of television storytelling.

He is survived by his two daughters, Billie and Georgia.

As Hollywood mourns, fans worldwide remember the actor who transformed a guest appearance into a cultural phenomenon — and who, in his final years, chose to meet devastating illness with public courage.

======

-- By Michael R. Thomas

© Copyright 2026 JWT Communications. All rights reserved. This article cannot be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or distributed in any form without written permission.