Actor Eric Dane, best known for portraying Dr Mark Sloan on the hit television drama Grey’s Anatomy, has died at the age of 53 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), his family confirmed on Thursday.
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Dane gained widespread popularity for his role as the charismatic plastic surgeon nicknamed “McSteamy,” a character he played for 15 years on the long-running series. He also appeared in the acclaimed drama Euphoria, and had earlier expressed his intention to return for the show’s third season despite his diagnosis.
In a statement reported by media outlets, his family said the actor passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones, including his wife and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurological condition that gradually weakens muscles as communication between the brain and body deteriorates. Dane’s family said he became a strong advocate for ALS awareness and research following his diagnosis, hoping to support others facing the illness.
Dane was married to actor Rebecca Gayheart, with whom he shared two children. The couple separated in 2018 after 14 years of marriage, though reports indicated that Gayheart later moved to dismiss divorce proceedings shortly before Dane publicly revealed his illness.
Born on November 9, 1972, in San Francisco, Dane began his acting career with a television appearance in The Wonder Years in 1993. His breakthrough came in 2005 with Grey’s Anatomy, which established him as a household name. His film credits included roles in Marley & Me and X-Men: The Last Stand.
