Eric Dane, Beloved Grey’s Anatomy Star, Dies at 53 After Brave ALS Battle
Fans around the world are mourning the loss of Eric Dane, the actor best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan, or “McSteamy,” on Grey’s Anatomy. Dane passed away on Thursday, February 19, at the age of 53, after a courageous battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
In December 2025, Dane made his final public appearance at a virtual panel for Giving Tuesday, hosted by I AM ALS and Synapticure. It was a heartfelt moment, where he spoke openly about his experiences and the realities of living with ALS. Dane had been scheduled for another special event weeks later — the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care Gala on January 24, where he was to receive the Advocate of the Year award — but had to cancel due to his health.
Eric Dane. Credit: Shutterstock.com, Getty Images
“ALS is a nasty disease,” Dane had said candidly. “So I was in the hospital during the Emmys getting stitches put in my head.”