Grey’s Anatomy Star Eric Dane Dies At 53, After Years Of Battling ALS

Remembering Eric Dane with McSteamy’s legacy, ALS battle, and unforgettable roles.

Grey’s Anatomy’s McSteamy, Eric Dane, passed away on February 19, 2026. The actor was just 53. He had been battling ALS for a while. Announcing his diagnosis in 2025, the Euphoria star has since been open about his struggle with the illness, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Confirmed by PEOPLE magazine, the news of his death came from Eric’s family. They have requested privacy in this trying time. Read about his ALS diagnosis and most famous roles below.

Grey’s Anatomy Actor Eric Dane Dies Of ALS

In an exclusive PEOPLE report, Eric Dane disclosed his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis in April 2025. At the time, he was “able to continue working” and expressed his desire to act as long as possible. The television and movie star was asymptomatic for a while. But, he slowly started losing use of his right side (arm and hand) by June of the same year. In October 2025, paparazzi spotted him using a wheelchair to get around. He had been confined to it since. Although ALS has no cure, patients tend to live for a few years after diagnosis. The Grey’s actor’s disease progressed rapidly, and he eventually passed away on Thursday, February 19.

Eric Dane Drops Out of Awards Gala ‘Due to the Physical Realities of ALS’💔🩺

Eric Dane was meant to stand beneath the lights on Saturday night, accepting the Advocate of the Year Award at the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care gala. Instead, his absence spoke louder… pic.twitter.com/LiGcwpn134

— Greys Quotes (@GreysAnatomyHD) January 28, 2026

After his ALS diagnosis, Eric Dane became a huge advocate for the illness, raising awareness and pushing for research on the rare degenerative disease. Due to his advocacy, more people are mindful of the existence of Lou Gehrig’s.

His family issued a statement confirming his death, adding that his last days were spent with close friends, his wife, and his children, “Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.” Another source said that the Euphoria actor was thankful to his fans for sticking by him and supporting him through a difficult time.

Remembering Eric Dane’s Famous Roles: Grey’s Anatomy, Euphoria, And More

Growing up in the 2000s, there was no escaping Grey’s Anatomy with Dr. Mark Sloan (McSteamy). Leaning into the character’s loose morals, Eric Dane adopted a similar public persona. He remained a memorable character even after exiting the series (he said he was made to leave due to his issues with addiction).

A true heartthrob, Dane took on roles in Marley & Me and Valentine’s Day with Grey’s. He was recently seen in the third season of Euphoria as Cal Jacobs, a family man seeking extramarital casual s*x. In 2025, he had pivotal roles in Coundown and Kabul. The actor’s last film, Family Secrets, will be released posthumously.

Omg Eric Dane? Oh no 😖 It was so painful seeing and hearing about his struggle with ALS.

Rest in peace, our forever McSteamy! 🥺 I hope your advocacy for awareness and a cure goes a long way 🤍

— Ren ☀️ (@beinguren) February 20, 2026

Also Read: As Ellen Pompeo Exits ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, A Look Back At 5 Iconic Meredith Grey Moments

Versatile and smart, Eric Dane will be remembered for his iconic roles and fierce ALS advocacy. He is survived by his daughters and wife.

Also Read: Sidharth Malhotra Pens A Heartfelt Eulogy For Father After His Death: “I Am Who I Am Because Of You.”

First Published: February 20, 2026 12:48 PM