Acclaimed American actor Eric Dane has died at the age of 53 after a year-long battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). He was best known for playing Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy. Dane passed away surrounded by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia.
His family confirmed the news in an official statement. They said he spent his final days with loved ones and remained grateful for the support he received.
“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.”
“Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.”
Eric Dane revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. Two months later, he spoke publicly during a health insurance news conference. He reflected on the shift from acting as a doctor to becoming a patient.
“Some of you may know me from TV shows, such as ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ in which I play a doctor. But I am here today to speak briefly as a patient battling ALS.”
Before his passing, Dane recorded a posthumous interview for the Famous Last Words series on Netflix. In it, he left a heartfelt message for his daughters.
“Billie and Georgia, these words are for you. I tried. I stumbled sometimes, but I tried. Overall, we had a blast, didn’t we?”
“Fight with every ounce of your being and with dignity. When you face challenges, health or otherwise, fight. Never give up. Fight until your last breath. This disease is slowly taking my body, but it will never take my spirit.”
Dane also starred in Euphoria, The Last Ship, and Bad Boys: Ride or Die. He was preparing to release his memoir, Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, in which he reflected on the defining chapters of his life.
In 2025, the ALS Network named him Advocate of the Year, recognizing his efforts to raise awareness about ALS.
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