Grey’s Anatomy actor Eric Dane has died. He told about his ALS diagnosis less than a year ago.
Eric Dane was previously diagnosed with ALS. PDO
Actor Eric Dane has died at the age of 53. Dane’s family confirms the sad news Peoplefor the magazine.
Dane had ALS. He died on Thursday, February 19.
– He spent his last days surrounded by his dear friends, his devoted wife and his two wonderful daughters, Billie and Georgiawho were the center of his world, the family said in a statement.
– Along his ALS journey, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research. He purposefully wanted to influence those who were going through the same struggle. He will be deeply missed and always remembered with love. Eric loved his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he received. The family has asked for privacy as they try to cope with this impossible time, the release concludes.
Dane went public with his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. Dane and his wife Rebecca Gayheart had called off their divorce a month earlier.
Rebecca Gayheart and Eric Dane called off their divorce around the same time Dane was diagnosed. PDO
In June, Dane shared more about his life with the disease.
– I wake up every morning and remember that this is real, the actor said Good Morning America in the program.
Dane said he is trying to stay positive and believes this is not the end of him.
ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a disease that degenerates motor neurons. The disease usually starts bilaterally, with weakness in one upper or lower limb. The symptoms can also start in the pharynx area, where there is slurred speech and difficulty swallowing. After the motor neurons are destroyed, the muscles no longer receive commands from the brain. As a result, the muscles atrophy. As the disease progresses, the patient loses the ability to move and speak.
Health Library according to the disease, there is currently no cure. The patient usually lives 3–5 years after the diagnosis. It is reported on the website of the Muscle Association that the disease progresses very individually. A fifth of those affected live more than five years and 10 percent more than 10 years after becoming ill.
Eric Dane is especially remembered from the Grey’s Anatomy series. Next to me is Ellen Pompeo, who played the title role of Meredith Grey. Photo from 2007. PDO
Dane has become especially well-known to Finns Grey’s Anatomy -series, where he played surgeon Mark Sloan, better known as McSteamy, for many seasons. He appeared in the series from 2006 to 2012 and returned to guest in 2021.
Dane’s last major role was in a television series Euphoriain which he portrayed the lead role of Cal Jacobs. The third production season of the series will be released in April.
He has also acted in films Marley & Me, Valentine’s Day and Burlesque.
