Eric Dane, a renowned actor famous for his roles in “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” passed away at the age of 53 after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Dane, who had been a strong advocate for ALS awareness following his diagnosis less than a year before his death, spent his final days surrounded by loved ones, including his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia.
Born on November 9, 1972, in Northern California, Dane ventured into acting after his father’s tragic death when he was seven. He gained recognition with guest appearances on various TV shows before landing significant roles such as Dr. Mark Sloan in “Grey’s Anatomy” and Cal Jacobs in “Euphoria.” Additionally, he starred in the TNT series “The Last Ship” as Tom Chandler.
In April 2025, Dane publicly disclosed his ALS diagnosis and dedicated himself to raising awareness about the disease. His advocacy efforts were acknowledged when he was named Advocate of the Year by the ALS Network in September 2025. Dane’s memoir, “Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments,” set to be released in 2026, will recount pivotal moments from his life, including his experiences on set, becoming a father, and confronting ALS.
Survived by his wife and daughters, Dane’s family life was marked by complexities, with his relationship with Gayheart taking unconventional turns. Despite their separation and legal processes, their bond remained profound, as reflected in Gayheart’s heartfelt essay about Dane’s illness.
Eric Dane’s legacy as a talented actor and dedicated ALS advocate will be cherished by his fans and the entertainment industry.