'Grey's Anatomy' star Eric Dane dies at 53

Eric Dane, the actor known best for his roles on "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria," died last night (19 February) after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 53.

Dane announced his diagnosis last year in April and had become an advocate for ALS awareness before his death.

"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," his representatives said in a statement.

"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," it said.

"He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he's received." it added.

What is ALS?

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is an incurable condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

It interferes with a person's ability to walk, talk and eventually breathe without assistance. Most patients die within three to five years of diagnosis.

Dane was a passionate advocate for ALS research and funding, having traveled to Washington, DC, last year to meet with lawmakers.

Eric Dane's breakout role on Grey's Anatomy

Dane rose to fame in the mid-2000s as the handsome Dr Mark Sloan on ABC's medical soap opera "Grey's Anatomy."

Nicknamed "McSteamy," Dane portrayed Sloan as the head of plastic surgery at the fictional hospital that forms the setting for the show.

That hospital was later renamed after his character, who died from injuries sustained in a plane crash in season 9 (2012) of the show. Dane reprised his role in 2021.

The show remains one of the longest-running scripted American television series and rolled out season 22 late last year.

In 2019, Dane also garnered global attention for his role as Cal Jacobs, a troubled father, on HBO's drama series "Euphoria." He is listed as set to appear in the show's long-awaited final season this year.

Eric Dane's life

Born in 1972, Dane was raised in Northern California. His father was a navy veteran and architect who died of a gunshot wound when Dane was just 7 years old.

He moved to Los Angeles after high school where he scored his debut role in a show called "Saved by the Bell." He later landed several smaller roles movies like "Bad Boys: Ride or Die,"'Marley & Me," and "X-Men: The Last Stand."

Dane's memoir is slated to be published in late 2026.

"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 previously said in a statement about his book.

"If sharing this helps someone find meaning in their own days, then my story is worth telling."