Eric Dane, the actor best known as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy, died Feb. 19 at 53 after a very public battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His family said he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones, including his wife and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia.
A career that kept evolving
Dane’s career moved from small TV parts to steady, memorable roles across network and premium cable. Early appearances on shows such as Saved by the Bell, Roseanne and Charmed, plus film spots in X-Men: The Last Stand and Marley & Me, helped him build a steady résumé. But it was Grey’s Anatomy that turned him into a household name—his swagger, comic timing and on‑screen charm made Mark Sloan one of the series’ most recognizable figures.
After Grey’s Anatomy he continued to take on diverse projects: recurring turns on TNT’s The Last Ship and, most recently, completed work on Season 3 of HBO’s Euphoria. Casting directors and colleagues often pointed to his ability to move between genres—romance, action and psychologically complex drama—as a reason he remained in demand. Those roles also kept him in the public eye at a moment when he was increasingly using his platform for something bigger than himself.
A candid fight with ALS and active advocacy
Dane made his ALS diagnosis public earlier this year and chose to speak about the disease in a blunt, human way rather than retreating from view. He balanced personal detail with purpose—sharing daily limitations he faced while pushing for more research funding, better access to clinical trials and increased support for caregivers. He sat for interviews, appeared at events, met with lawmakers and worked with advocacy groups to make sure the conversation about ALS stayed focused on real, actionable needs.
His approach was both personal and practical: he and his team prioritized clear messaging, coordinated outreach to research organizations and used his visibility to draw attention to fundraising and policy efforts. Friends and advocates credit him with widening public awareness and encouraging other public figures to speak frankly about health struggles.
Home life, care and privacy
Medical care became central to Dane’s daily life—mobility aids, physical therapy and a network of specialists joined the family’s routines. Loved ones took on caregiving roles while coordinating with health professionals and advocacy organizations. At the same time, Dane tried to keep the private parts of his life protected; public statements often steered toward systemic issues—research, policy, caregiver needs—rather than intimate medical detail.
Those closest to him described a household focused on practical support and emotional steadiness. His former spouse, Rebecca Gayheart, spoke about the complexity of their relationship and said both parents stayed focused on what was best for their children. The family has asked for privacy as they grieve and has expressed gratitude for the steady stream of support from fans and colleagues.
Colleagues remember his warmth and humor
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment community. Patrick Dempsey, who played Dr. Derek Shepherd opposite Dane’s Mark Sloan, remembered him as “the funniest man,” and said they had exchanged messages shortly before his death. Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes praised his artistry and the generosity he brought to set. Co‑workers repeatedly highlighted his off‑screen warmth, quick wit and steady presence behind the scenes.
A legacy of work and compassion
Born in San Francisco, Dane rose through the industry on talent and perseverance. He is survived by his daughters Billie and Georgia, whom family members described as the center of his life. In his final years he transformed a private illness into a public campaign, using his platform to push for research, better care and a more honest public conversation about neurodegenerative disease.
His passing drew condolences from across film and television and from organizations focused on ALS research and patient care. People remember him not just for his screen roles but for the way he tried to turn personal hardship into action for others—leaving behind performances that entertained and an advocacy record that aimed to help. Memorial details have not been released.