By Chalien Dantes

Eric Dane has died at the age of 53 following a long fight with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

His family shared the news on Thursday night, saying he spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his wife Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters Billie and Georgia, who meant everything to him. During his illness, Dane used his voice to bring attention to ALS research and to support others facing the same diagnosis.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Dane began acting in the early 1990s with guest appearances on shows like Saved by the Bell and The Wonder Years. His first big break came in 2000 when he joined Charmed as Jason Dean.

He later became a household name as Dr Mark Sloan, better known to fans as McSteamy, on Grey’s Anatomy. After leaving the series, Dane led the cast of The Last Ship as Captain Tom Chandler from 2014 to 2018.

Dane revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. He is remembered not only for his work on screen, but also for the strength he showed off it and the love he had for his family.