Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Euphoria’ Star, Dies at 53 After ALS Battle

Eric Dane, the actor best known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at the age of 53, nearly one year after announcing he had been diagnosed with ALS. His family confirmed his death on Thursday, February 19, 2026, saying he passed away after a “courageous battle” with disease. Dane spent his final days at home, surrounded by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were “the centre of his world,” according to the family statement. 

Dane first revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, telling People magazine that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the most common form of motor neuron disease. He said he felt “fortunate” that he could still work and that he was looking forward to returning to the Euphoria set. ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is an incurable condition that damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, slowly causing muscle weakness, paralysis, and loss of the ability to speak, eat, and breathe. 

The actor first noticed symptoms in early 2024, starting with weakness in his right hand that he at first dismissed as overuse from texting. Over the next 18 months, the weakness spread, and he saw several doctors before receiving the ALS diagnosis about nine months after his first symptoms. By June 2025, he had lost all function in his right arm and hand; by September, his speech had become slurred, and by October, he was using a wheelchair full-time.

Even as his body weakened, Dane remained open about his journey, speaking on Good Morning America with Diane Sawyer about his anger, fear, and hope. He said he did not believe ALS was “the end” of his story and stressed the importance of living in the present. He also became an advocate for ALS research, supporting the charity I AM ALS and its “Push for Progress” campaign to speed up the search for a cure. 

Dane’s death has drawn tributes from fans and colleagues, many of whom remember him as Dr Mark Solan, “McSteamy,” on Grey’s Anatomy and as Cal Jacobs in Euphoria. His family asked for privacy and requested that donations be made to ALS charities in his memory. At 53, his passing marks a loss for the TV world and a reminder of how quickly ALS can change a life, even for someone who tried to face it with courage and openness.