The actor Eric Dane who gained fame through his role as Dr Mark “McSteamy” Sloan in Grey’s Anatomy and Cal Jacobs in Euphoria died on February 19 2026 at 53. He passed away after fighting Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis for ten months, which he announced to the world in April 2025. The following months saw Dane dedicate himself to ALS research and awareness work as he used his public platform for backing I AM ALS and Target ALS.
Dane spent his last moments at home together with his wife Rebecca Gayheart and their two daughters named Billie and Georgia. Friends and family describe him as a devoted father and husband whose warmth extended well beyond the screen. His work for ALS advocacy brought hope for ALS patients while it drew public attention to their needs, which made people admire him for both his inner strength and his caring nature.
Dane closed his acting career through his work on the medical show Brilliant Minds where he played a firefighter with ALS who experienced the same challenges as Dane did in his personal life. He finished writing his memoir Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments which will come out this year.
Colleagues and friends have sent numerous tributes to honor his memory. Patrick Dempsey and Kim Raver, former Grey’s Anatomy co-stars, expressed their heartbreak, while Euphoria creator Sam Levinson praised Dane for his “unwavering generosity and talent.”
Dane passed away on the same day that marked 20 years since his first appearance on Grey’s Anatomy, which became his most popular role among viewers. He left behind a legacy that included exceptional performances, advocacy work, and a major influence on every person who encountered him.
