Eric Dane, star of Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, dies aged 53: 'He made everyone on set feel seen'
Actor Eric Dane, famous for his roles in Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, has died aged 53.
The news, confirmed by People, comes 10 months after the American star went public with his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), known as motor neurone disease in Australia.
"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," a statement from Dane's family said.
Eric Dane has died aged 53, 10 months after going public with his motor neurone disease diagnosis.. Variety via Getty Images
"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.
"Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. 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."
Many of Dane's co-stars and Hollywood peers are their memories of the actor in tribute to his life.
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Dane rose to fame as Dr Mark Sloan, or "McSteamy", in Grey's Anatomy. ABC America
Alyssa Milano, who starred with Dane in hit series Charmed, recalled his "razor-sharp sense of humour" and love of "catching people off guard".
"I can't stop seeing that spark in Eric's eye right before he'd say something that would either make you spit out your drink or rethink your entire perspective," she wrote on Instagram.
"And when it came to his daughters and Rebecca, everything in him softened. He carried them with him even in rooms where they weren't present. You could see it in the way his voice changed when he said their names.
"He convinced me to get my pixie cut and my nose piercing. He also was with me on the walk when we found Lucy, my beloved rescue chihuahua.
Alyssa Milano, Dane's Charmed co-star, spoke of his "razor-sharp sense of humour". Instagram/Alyssa Milano
"He called me 'Milano,' as if it was the only part of my name that mattered.
"My heart is with the people who were lucky enough to be his home."
John Stamos farewelled his Wedding Wars co-star in an Instagram post, writing: "RIP, Buddy."
"Me and Eric Dane played brothers years ago in a beautiful movie called Wedding Wars. Good Guy. Too soon. Xo, J."
"I'm heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric," Euphoria creator Sam Levinson said in a statement to Variety.
"Working with him was an honour. Being his friend was a gift. Eric's family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing."
Kevin McKidd, who also starred in Grey's Anatomy alongside Dane, posted a simple photo of the actor with the caption "Rest in Peace Buddy."
Dane's Americana co-star Paul Walter Hauser also shared a tribute to Instagram, writing: "We tried to book gigs, we tried to laugh at the pain and we tried to stay sober."
"I'm glad we got to play together in Americana. I love you, man. I wish we had more time.
"Enjoy the arms of Father God. I'll see you again. RIP #EricDane"
Alexander Ludwig, who starred in Bad Boys: Ride or Die alongside Dane, wrote: "Ugh this hurts so much."
"Will miss you Eric and loved our time together. You were a joy to work with."
Alexander Ludwig said Dane was "a joy to work with". Instagram
Kevin McKidd, who also starred in Grey's Anatomy alongside Dane, shares his tribute to his friend. Instagram
Actor Frank Grillo took to Instagram, writing that his "heart is broken."
"We lost a good man @realericdane who I had the pleasure of sharing the screen with," the post reads.
"We became pals and laughed often. My prayers go out to his beautiful family 🙏💔 see you on the other side brother."
Fellow Valentine's Day actor Ashton Kutcher offered his condolences to Dane via X.
"The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane," he wrote in a post.
"We know you'll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let's keep fighting the fight to solve ALS."
The Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev farewelled the actor, who starred alongside her in the 2022 film Redeeming Love, in an Instagram post.
"Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Eric," the post starts.
"He was warm, generous, prepared and so passionate about what he did. He led with kindness and made everyone on our set feel seen."
Nina Dobrev paid tribute to Dane, calling him "warm, generous, prepared and so passionate about what he did". Instagram
"ALS is a cruel and unforgiving disease. May his memory inspire more research, awareness and progress towards a cure."
"He will be deeply missed. Sending love and heartfelt condolences to his family."
Devastated fans have also taken to social media to share their condolences.
"I can't believe how fast this happened, he was only diagnosed last year," one person wrote.
"RIP Eric Dane my heart hurts. I will always love you," another fan wrote.
Fans have also flooded social media with tributes. Getty
"Watching his health deteriorate so quickly after he revealed his diagnosis was heartbreaking, my heart goes out to his family. ALS is so scary," one comment read.
Dane shared his diagnosis with People in April 2025.
"I have been diagnosed with ALS," he said in a statement at the time.
"I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter."
Since his diagnosis, his health has declined rapidly, with the actor sharing updates every few months.
Dane was open about his diagnosis, working with I am ALS Org as an advocate. Instagram/realericdane
In his first interview three months after revealing his diagnosis, he told Good Morning America his right side had "completely stopped" functioning.
"My left side is functioning, my right side has completely stopped working," he said at the time.
"I feel like maybe a couple, few more months, and I won't have my left hand [functioning] either."
In the months before his death, he advocated for better research into ALS on Capitol Hill, hoping for an extension of funding dedicated to investigating new ways to treat the illness.
The actor advocated for better research into the condition. Instagram
Dane's acting career began with roles in TV series including Charmed, The Wonder Years and Saved By The Bell, but it was Grey's Anatomy that propelled him to stardom.
He appeared in the second season of the hit medical series as Dr Mark Sloan, nicknamed "McSteamy".
Sloan was promoted to main character status thanks to the huge response viewers had to Dane, whose time on the series ended in 2012.
More recently, he was back on screens in the hit teen drama Euphoria, starring alongside Sydney Sweeney and Jacob Elordi.
Dane was married to actress Rebecca Gayheart, the couple sharing two daughters. Getty Images for AFI
His other recent roles included Burlesque, Valentine's Day, Marley & Me and The Last Ship.
In 2004, Dane married actress Rebecca Gayheart, the pair welcoming two daughters, Billie and Georgia.
Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, but filed to have it dismissed in March 2025.
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