Eric Dane, the actor widely recognized for his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan on the long-running medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” has died at the age of 53, his family confirmed Thursday. His passing comes less than a year after he publicly revealed his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS.
In a statement shared with media outlets, Dane’s family said he passed away Thursday afternoon following what they described as a courageous battle with the progressive neurological disease. He was surrounded in his final days by close friends, his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. The family expressed gratitude for the public’s support and requested privacy as they grieve.
Dane announced in April 2025 that he had been diagnosed with ALS, a condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually impairing muscle control. Also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS worsens over time and has no known cure. Medical experts note that average life expectancy after diagnosis typically ranges from three to five years, although progression varies by individual. Roughly 1 in 300 Americans are affected during their lifetime.
Following his diagnosis, Dane became an outspoken advocate for ALS awareness and research. He appeared at public events and spoke about the challenges patients face, including health insurance hurdles and the urgent need for medical advancements. In 2025, he received recognition from advocacy organizations for helping raise visibility and encouraging support for research efforts. During a virtual panel late last year, he said it was “imperative” to share his journey so others facing similar struggles would feel less alone.
Born on November 9, 1972, and raised in California, Dane pursued acting after high school, eventually moving to Los Angeles to build his career. In the early 1990s, he secured guest appearances on several popular television series, gradually establishing himself as a dependable presence in both drama and comedy.
His breakthrough came in the mid-2000s when he joined the cast of “Grey’s Anatomy” as Dr. Mark Sloan — a role that earned him widespread recognition and a devoted fan base. He portrayed the character from 2006 to 2012 and later reprised the role in 2021. His performance helped define one of the show’s most memorable eras and solidified his place in television history.
Beyond his work on the medical series, Dane built an extensive résumé across film and television. He appeared in HBO’s drama “Euphoria,” taking on the role of Cal Jacobs, and starred as Captain Tom Chandler in the TNT series “The Last Ship,” portraying a naval officer navigating a global catastrophe. His film credits included roles in “X-Men: The Last Stand” and “Burlesque,” reflecting a career that spanned more than three decades.
Colleagues and networks he worked with issued statements honoring his talent and professionalism, describing him as a gifted performer whose presence left a lasting impression on audiences around the world.
Later this year, a memoir by Dane titled “Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments” is scheduled for release. In announcing the book, he said he hoped to capture both joyful and difficult chapters of his life in a way that would resonate with readers and remind them of the importance of living fully.
Eric Dane is survived by his wife and two daughters. His legacy includes not only memorable performances across te
