Eric William Dane, the American actor whose presence on both television and film combined charisma with emotional depth, died on February 19, 2026, at the age of 53 following a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the neurodegenerative disease he publicly revealed in 2025 and used to fuel advocacy and awareness. His family confirmed that he passed surrounded by his loved ones — including his devoted wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia — and asked for privacy as they grieved.
By Allan R. Ellenberger
Born on November 9, 1972, in San Francisco, California, Dane grew up with a spirit of curiosity and early artistic inclination. His introduction to performance came in his youth, and he made his television debut in the early 1990s with a guest role on Saved by the Bell, charting the beginning of a career that would span three decades across popular dramas and major film projects.
Dane first gained wide attention with recurring television work, including an early role in Charmed, but it was his casting as Dr. Mark Sloan — affectionately dubbed “McSteamy” — on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy beginning in 2006 that established him as a household name. The character’s blend of suave confidence and nuanced vulnerability captured viewers’ imaginations and made him one of the show’s most memorable figures, a presence that endured even after his departure from the series.
In addition to his breakout television role, Dane’s film work included appearances in genre fare such as X-Men: The Last Stand, heartfelt comedies like Marley & Me, and ensemble pieces including Valentine’s Day and Burlesque.
On television he continued to explore complex characters, from Captain Tom Chandler on TNT’s The Last Ship to the morally conflicted Cal Jacobs on HBO’s gritty Euphoria, roles that showcased his range and commitment to portraying fully realized, often emotionally challenging parts.
Off camera, Dane encountered both public challenges and personal growth. A 2009 private video controversy and a later battle with prescription medication dependency — which led him to seek help in 2011 — were part of his very public journey toward stability and self-awareness, a narrative he later reflected on with candor. Yet it was his openness about his health struggles that truly transformed his public role in later years.
In April 2025, Dane revealed that he had been diagnosed with ALS — a progressive nervous system disease that eventually robbed him of the use of his right arm and necessitated a wheelchair by late 2025 — and he faced the diagnosis with unwavering honesty, using his platform to push for research, understanding, and improved care for others affected by the illness. During that time he continued work on the third season of Euphoria, completing his scenes despite his illness, a testament to his dedication to his craft.
Dane’s personal life was anchored by his long marriage to Rebecca Gayheart, whom he wed in 2004, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. Though the couple announced separation in 2018, they drew renewed attention in 2025 when Gayheart moved to dismiss her divorce filing, reflecting the enduring strength of their partnership as Dane faced his health challenges.
News of Dane’s death prompted widespread tributes from colleagues across the entertainment industry, with co-stars, creators, and fans alike expressing admiration for his talent, his warmth, and the courage with which he carried his final chapter. His legacy lives on in the indelible characters he brought to life and in his advocacy that helped shine a spotlight on ALS and the urgent need for medical breakthroughs.
Details regarding his funeral and burial have not been publicly disclosed, as his family continues to seek privacy during this difficult time. Yet even in mourning, the outpouring of remembrance underscores a life that touched many — an actor whose brilliance was matched by his bravery, and whose presence will be long remembered by those who knew his work and his heart.
Eric Dane is survived by his wife Rebecca Gayheart and daughters Billie and Georgia, and by fans around the world moved by a career that brought both steamy drama and complex emotional truths to screens big and small.
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