Actor Eric Dane, known for his roles in television series Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, died on Thursday at the age of 53, his family has confirmed. The family had disclosed last year that Dane was suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

 

In a statement carried by international media outlets, the family said: “Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS.” The statement added that 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.”

 

Dane portrayed Dr Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy for 15 years, a role that made him a familiar face on network television. His character, a plastic surgeon, was referred to as “McSteamy” by other characters in the series. He later appeared in Euphoria and had stated after his diagnosis that he planned to return to the set for the show’s third season.

 

ALS is a disease that affects the nervous system, causing the brain to lose connection with muscles. 

 

The family statement said Dane used his diagnosis to speak out about the illness. “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 statement said.

 

Dane was married to actor Rebecca Gayheart, with whom he had two children. The couple separated in 2018 after 14 years of marriage. Gayheart filed for divorce but later sought to dismiss the petition in March last year, shortly before Dane made his ALS diagnosis public. 

 

Born Eric William Dane on November 9, 1972, in San Francisco, he was the elder of two brothers. His father worked as an architect, while his mother was a homemaker, according to information listed on IMDb.

 

Dane began his television career in 1993 with a role in The Wonder Years. His career expanded in 2005 when he landed the role of McSteamy on Grey’s Anatomy.