Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star Known as McSteamy, Dies at 53

Eric Dane, the actor widely recognized for his portrayal of the charismatic Dr. Mark Sloan on the hit television drama Grey's Anatomy, has died at the age of 53. His passing was confirmed by his publicist, Melissa Bank. He had been undergoing treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (A.L.S.), a progressive neurodegenerative disease often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Dane rose to prominence in 2006 when he joined “Grey’s Anatomy” as Dr. Sloan, the head of plastic surgery at Seattle Grace Hospital. His character, quickly nicknamed “McSteamy” by colleagues and fans alike, became a defining presence on the long-running ABC series. With his confident demeanor and complex emotional storylines, Dane’s performance earned him widespread acclaim and solidified his place as a fan favorite.

In April 2025, Dane publicly disclosed his A.L.S. diagnosis in an interview with People magazine. The announcement came as a shock to many admirers who had followed his career for decades. A.L.S. gradually impairs a person’s ability to control voluntary muscles, affecting movement, speech, and ultimately breathing. Although some patients live longer, life expectancy after diagnosis is typically two to five years. Ongoing clinical research continues to explore therapies that may extend survival and improve quality of life.

Following his diagnosis, Dane chose to speak candidly about the challenges of living with the disease. In a 2025 interview on Good Morning America with journalist Diane Sawyer, he described the emotional weight of the diagnosis and the daily realities of physical decline. He spoke openly about losing function in his right arm and the psychological toll of confronting a progressive illness. “I will never forget those three letters,” he said during the broadcast, reflecting on the moment he learned of his condition.

Despite the advancing disease, Dane remained committed to raising awareness. In September 2025, as part of a patient advocacy campaign, he addressed supporters in a video message, speaking with noticeable difficulty but unwavering determination. Identifying himself as “an actor, a father, and now a person living with A.L.S.,” he called for increased funding and research aimed at ending the disease. His advocacy brought renewed attention to the urgent need for medical breakthroughs and compassionate support for patients and families.

According to his publicist, Dane spent his final days surrounded by close friends and family. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, Billie and Georgia, whom he often described as the center of his life. Those who worked alongside him remember not only his on-screen magnetism but also his warmth and dedication off camera.

Over the course of his career, Eric Dane built a legacy defined by memorable performances and personal resilience. While he will be remembered for bringing Dr. Mark Sloan to life, his openness about living with A.L.S. and his determination to advocate for others facing the disease may prove equally enduring.