He was “McSteamy” on “Grey’s Anatomy” and died of ALS at 53. Hollywood colleagues are now saying goodbye to Eric Dane with moving words.
The actor passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the age of 53. A year earlier he had made public his illness with the nervous disease ALS – now he lost the fight against it. The actor enjoyed great popularity both among fans and within the film and series industry. Now some of his colleagues said goodbye with touching words.
Surrounded by his loved ones
Eric Dane’s family released a statement to People magazine about Eric Dane’s death. It says: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Eric Dane passed away on Thursday afternoon after a courageous battle with ALS.” He had made his diagnosis public ten months earlier. The deceased spent his last days with his wife and two daughters Billie and Georgia, who “were his world”.
World famous from “Grey’s Anatomy”
Eric Dane worked primarily in the series sector. His most famous role is that of Dr. Mark Sloan, also known as “McSteamy”, in the cult hospital series “Grey’s Anatomy”. The series quickly made him famous worldwide and he is considered a fan favorite.
He also starred in the HBO hit series “Euphoria” and took on the role of Cal Jacobs. Next to “Grey’s Anatomy,” this is probably his second most famous role. In it he also demonstrates his versatility as an actor: instead of a charismatic doctor, he plays a calculating psychopath with pedophile tendencies.
Hollywood colleagues pay tribute to Eric Dane
It didn’t take long for the industry to respond. Colleagues and companions paid tribute to the 53-year-old and said goodbye. “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson was one of the first to make a statement to Variety, saying: “My heart is broken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers.”
Actor Ashton Kutcher also weighed in on
Eric Dane’s “Grey’s Anatomy” colleague Patrick Dempsey also posted an Instagram story in which the deceased talks about his ALS disease in a video. In the last ten months of his life following his diagnosis, Eric Dane committed himself to fighting the disease.
Author Maria Shriver also paid tribute to the actor on
