Eric Dane, the charismatic American actor who captivated audiences in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at the age of 53, deadline.com reports. The actor, best known for his portrayal of Dr Mark ‘McSteamy’ Sloan passed away following a courageous battle with ALS.
His family confirmed he passed away on Thursday afternoon, surrounded by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters.
Dane had been open about his journey with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) since his diagnosis last April. In a statement, his family said: “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.”
Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane’s career spanned over three decades. After early appearances in Saved by the Bell and Charmed, he achieved international stardom on the medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. As Dr Mark Sloan, his “McSteamy” persona became a cultural touchstone of the late 2000s.
In recent years, Dane earned critical acclaim for his transformative performance as Cal Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria. Despite his illness, he remained dedicated to his craft, filming the show’s third season last year and appearing in a guest role on Brilliant Minds to raise awareness for ALS.
Hollywood has been quick to pay its respects. Euphoria creator Sam Levinson described himself as “heartbroken” over the loss of a dear friend, while former Grey’s Anatomy colleagues remembered his “unforgettable presence.”
Beyond the screen, Dane was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife and daughters, Billie and Georgia. His family has requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time.
•Featured image: Eric Dane/Michael Buckner/PMC
