Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star And ALS Awareness Advocate, Dies At 53
Celebrated actor and advocate for ALS awareness, Eric Dane, has passed away this week at 53-years-old nearly a year after publicly revealing his diagnosis.
This Thursday, Dane’s representatives revealed that he died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
“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,” the statement read, also requesting privacy for the family.
“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 always lovingly remembered.”
“Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.”
Dane was known for multiple beloved roles throughout television and movies. Some of the most notable being Dr. Mark Sloan, or McSteamy, on popular ABC medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy” from 2006 to 2012 with a short revival in 2021.
More recently, in 2019 he played the complex character of Cal Jacobs in HBO’s hit series “Euphoria.”
In April 2025, Dane publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with ALS. The disease is known for progressing quickly and attacking nerve cells controlling muscles throughout the body.
ALS impacts the body’s ability to walk, talk, and breathe, and unfortunately most patients pass away within three to five years of a diagnosis.
Dane quickly became a major advocate for ALS awareness after revealing his own personal journey with his diagnosis. He spoke at a news conference in Washington on health insurance prior authorization.
“Some of you may know me from TV shows, such as ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ in which I play a doctor. But I am here today to speak briefly as a patient battling ALS,” he said at the time.
In September, the ALS Network named Dane the recipient of their advocate of the year award, which honored his commitment to raising awareness and support for the people living with ALS.
A memoir by Dane is set to be published later this year. “Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments,” will be published by Maria Shriver’s The Open Field, a Penguin Random House imprint. According to Open Field, the memoir will cover key moments in his life, going from his first day at work on “Grey’s Anatomy” to the births of his two daughters and learning that he had ALS.
“I want to capture the moments that shaped me — the beautiful days, the hard ones, the ones I never took for granted — so that if nothing else, people who read it will remember what it means to live with heart,” Dane said in a statement.
“If sharing this helps someone find meaning in their own days, then my story is worth telling.”
Eric Mastrota is a Contributing Editor at The National Digest based in New York. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz, he reports on world news, culture, and lifestyle. You can reach him at eric.mastrota@thenationaldigest.com.
