Eric Dane, best known for playing Dr. Mark Sloan a.k.a. McSteamy on ABC's Grey's Anatomy, Marcus in 2010's Burlesque, and Cal Jacobs on HBO's Euphoria, has reportedly died after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The 53-year-old actor is set to appear in the upcoming third and final season of Euphoria, in which he reprises his role as Cal Jacobs, the troubled father of Nate Jacobs (played by Jacob Elordi).
After disclosing his ALS diagnosis with the public in 2025, Dane spent his final year advocating for awareness, treatment, and further research related to the neurodegenerative disease. The actor, health advocate, husband, and father is survived by his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia.
Dane's family shared a statement with TMZ that reads:
"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world. 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. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he's received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time."
HBO and HBO Max issued a joint statement in collaboration with the official social media pages of Euphoria, as the hit HBO series is scheduled to premiere its third and final season on April 12 and will feature Dane's final acting performances.
The HBO statement reads, "We are deeply saddened by the news of Eric Dane's passing. He was incredibly talented and HBO was fortunate to have worked with him on three seasons of Euphoria. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time."
Sam Levinson, the creator and showrunner of Euphoria, reacted to the news in a message shared with Variety that reads, "I'm heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift. Eric's family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing."
Eric Dane was honored on the 2026 TIME100 Health list released just eight days prior to his passing.
Eric Dane appeared on the 2026 TIME100 Health list published on Wednesday, February 11, just eight days before his passing.
"As he grapples with loss of function, Dane has become a dedicated advocate for others with his disease," Health and Wellness editor Angela Haupt wrote for TIME. "He joined the board of directors of the nonprofit Target ALS, helping the organization surpass its end-of-year campaign to raise $500,000 for research, and launched a three-year 'Push for Progress' campaign with the patient-led organization I AM ALS, aiming to secure more than $1 billion in federal funding for ALS research. In November, he appeared on NBC's Brilliant Minds in a powerful role as a patient with ALS, hoping to draw attention to the reality many are facing."
Out actor Zachary Quinto posed alongside Dane during the actor's guest appearance on NBC's Brilliant Minds.
"I'm trying to save my life," Dane said, as reported in the TIME100 Health list, "and if my actions can move the needle forward for myself and countless others, I'm satisfied."
Eric Dane's joining of the Target ALS Foundation appears as his final post on Instagram.
The very last Instagram post on Dane's Instagram was the announcement that the actor would join the Board of Directors at the Target ALS Foundation in an effort to deepen "his commitment to accelerating ALS research and driving meaningful change for the ALS community."
Dane's official statement upon joining the organization reads:
"This disease takes something from me every day. But I won't let it take my spirit. Target ALS embodies that relentless spirit, and that's why I'm joining the Board. I'm looking forward to working alongside the Target ALS team to continue pushing the limits of what's possible and changing what it means to get an ALS diagnosis. This community deserves effective treatments, and I want to do my part to deliver them."
This story is still developing…
