Eric Dane, best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy, has died at the age of 53 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
The actor passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, ten months after publicly revealing his ALS diagnosis. The progressive neurodegenerative disease attacks nerve cells and leads to loss of muscle control.
In a statement shared with People, his family said, “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the centre of his world.”
The statement continued, noting that throughout his illness, Dane became an advocate for ALS awareness and research. “He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
Dane is survived by his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14.
In one of his final public appearances, during an I AM ALS virtual panel in December 2025, Dane spoke candidly about living with the disease, calling it “so horrible,” while also expressing determination to remain active and engaged. Despite losing the use of his right arm and hand by mid-2025 and later using a wheelchair full-time, he remained committed to raising awareness and advocating for research.
“I make sure that people are aware of what ALS is and what it’s about, and more importantly, what we can do to combat it,” he said at the time, emphasizing the need for progress in treatment and funding.
Earlier this year, Dane was unable to attend the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care Gala due to health complications. He had been scheduled to receive the organization’s Advocate of the Year Award in recognition of bringing international attention to ALS through his advocacy. The ALS Network said it remained deeply grateful for his leadership and compassion.
Beyond Grey’s Anatomy, Dane appeared in numerous television and film projects, including Charmed, The Wonder Years, Marley & Me, and HBO’s Euphoria. He also led the cast of TNT’s action series, The Last Ship. Born in San Francisco on November 9, 1972, Dane discovered acting in high school after initially pursuing water polo.
He married Gayheart in 2004, and the couple welcomed their daughters in 2010 and 2011. Though Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, the pair reconciled in 2025, citing their commitment to family.
Dane had also been working on a memoir, Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, which is expected to be released later this year.
His death marks the loss of a beloved actor and a passionate advocate whose final years were devoted not only to his craft but to raising awareness for those living with ALS.
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