Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Heartthrob and ALS Advocate, Dies at 53
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Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Heartthrob and ALS Advocate, Dies at 53

The actor used his fame to raise awareness of the rare neurological condition also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Heartthrob and ALS Advocate, Dies at 53
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Published on February 20, 2026
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Eric Dane, the actor who became a national heartthrob for his role as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on the long-running TV drama Grey’s Anatomy, has died, 10 months after announcing he’d been diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was 53.

“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” his family said a statement.

Dane was married to the actor Rebecca Gayheart. Although the two separated in 2018, she supported him throughout his illness.

Dane, who also starred in HBO’s Euphoria as Cal Jacobs, announced his diagnosis in April 2025. By June of that year, he said he no longer had use of his right arm. That didn’t stop him from parlaying his celebrity into raising awareness for ALS, a rare condition for which there is currently no cure.

“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,” the family statement said. “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.”

What Is ALS?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rare degenerative disease that targets nerves in the brain and spinal cord and leads to loss of muscle control.

 Lou Gehrig, the legendary New York Yankees baseball player, was diagnosed with ALS in 1939 at the age of 36. He died two years later.

ALS gradually causes the muscles to atrophy, or waste away. This leads to worsening loss of movement, impairing the ability to walk, use the hands and arms, speak, chew, and swallow. It can become life-threatening when it affects the ability to breathe.

While there is no cure for ALS, medications and other therapies can slow its progression and prolong independence. In the United States, people with ALS live three to five years on average after diagnosis.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
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Resources
  1. Sherman M. Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star and ALS Awareness Advocate, Dies at 53. AP. February 19, 2026.
  2. Comiter J et al. All About Eric Dane’s Relationship With Wife Rebecca Gayheart. People. February 19, 2026.
  3. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Cleveland Clinic. May 6, 2025.
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