American actor Eric Dane, recognized for participating in the series Grey’s Anatomydied this Thursday at the age of 53.
Dane died almost a year after making public his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease that progressively deteriorates muscle functions, according to the specialized magazine People.
His family confirmed the death through a statement in which they noted that the actor died surrounded by his loved ones after “a brave battle” against the disease, according to the same source.
JUST IN: Actor Eric Dane, best known for his starring role in the long-running ABC medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy,” has died at 53. https://t.co/NX2DuXdeR0 pic.twitter.com/VBxVxOu87m
— ABC News (@ABC) February 20, 2026
The performer achieved international fame for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan, known as “McSteamy,” in Grey’s Anatomywhere he became one of the most popular characters in the medical drama produced by the network ABC.
His participation in the series consolidated his career on American television and, a report from EFEpositioned him as one of the most recognizable faces of the format in the 2000s.
After leaving the medical drama, Dane continued his career in high-profile television productions, such as the series The Last Shipwhere he assumed a leading role, and more recently in Euphoriain which he played Cal Jacobs.
In recent months, the actor had shown visible physical deterioration, although he maintained messages of strength and support for ALS research until his last public appearances.
Reaction from Hollywood
“I am heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be a blessing,” said Sam Levinson, the creator of Euphoriain a statement released The Hollywood Reporter (THR).
The official Instagram accounts of this series, which will soon premiere its third season, and of HBO Max, his distributor, also echoed the death of the artist.
Companions of Grey’s Anatomy James Pickens Jr. (Dr Richard Webber) and actress Sarah Drew (Dr. April Kepner) also shared their condolences on Instagram, while actor Patrick Dempsey (Dr. Derek Shepherd) posted a video of Dane speaking about his illness.
The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane. We know you’ll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS. pic.twitter.com/00TtwmQHAK
— ashton kutcher (@aplusk) February 20, 2026
For its part, ABC and 20th Television released a statement mourning his death: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Eric Dane. His extraordinary talent and unforgettable presence on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ left an indelible mark on audiences around the world, and his bravery and poise during his fight against ALS inspired many.”
Actress Alyssa Milano, who worked alongside Dane in Charmed shared a tribute to the actor on Instagram: “I can’t help but see that spark in Eric’s eyes right before he says something that would make you spit out your drink or rethink your entire perspective. He had a razor-sharp sense of humor. He loved the absurd. He loved catching people off guard.”
Michael Grassi creator of Brilliant Mindthe series in which the actor played one of his last roles, in which he played a firefighter with ALS, said that working with Dane was “the greatest honor of my career,” according to quote the Spanish agency.
