Eric Dane Dies at 53 Following ALS Battle

By: Michael Jacobs – Senior Editor | TV Streaming News

LAS VEGAS — (February 19, 2026) — Beloved actor Eric Dane has died at the age of 53 following a courageous and highly public battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a statement released by his family.

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In their statement, Dane’s family confirmed that he passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon surrounded by loved ones, including his wife and two daughters. They described his final days as being filled with close friends and family, noting that his daughters were “the center of his world.”

Dane publicly revealed in April 2025 that he had been diagnosed with ALS — a progressive neurodegenerative disease often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. At the time, he described a long and emotionally exhausting journey to reach an accurate diagnosis, including multiple specialist visits and extensive testing before receiving confirmation from a neurologist.

Dane rose to global prominence portraying Dr. Mark Sloan — widely known as “McSteamy” — on the hit ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. His character quickly became a fan favorite and cemented his place in modern television history.

More recently, he appeared in HBO’s critically acclaimed drama series Euphoria, where he continued to demonstrate his range and commitment to complex storytelling — even while quietly managing the progression of his illness.

Throughout his ALS battle, Dane remained committed to his craft. He continued working on Season 3 of Euphoria, determined not to let the disease define his legacy.

His Public ALS Journey

In interviews over the past year, Dane spoke candidly about the toll the disease had taken on his body. He revealed that he had lost significant muscle control and was down to one functioning arm. Despite the physical challenges, he used his platform to advocate for greater awareness, research funding, and compassion for families facing ALS.

According to the Mayo Clinic, ALS is a progressive nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control. There is currently no cure.

Dane’s openness about his diagnosis resonated deeply with fans and the broader entertainment community. He frequently expressed gratitude for the support he received during his illness, calling his fan base “a constant source of strength.”

A Legacy Beyond the Screen

Eric Dane’s impact extended far beyond his television roles. In the LGBTQ entertainment landscape, his portrayal of emotionally layered male characters contributed to shifting representations of masculinity on mainstream television.

Friends and colleagues described him as resilient, warm, and deeply devoted to his family. Tributes have begun pouring in across social media from co-stars, industry peers, and longtime fans.

He was 53.

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