Eric Dane, the actor who became a national heartthrob for his role as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on the long-running TV drama Grey’s Anatomy, has died, 10 months after announcing he’d been diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was 53.
Dane, who also starred in HBO’s Euphoria as Cal Jacobs, announced his diagnosis in April 2025. By June of that year, he said he no longer had use of his right arm. That didn’t stop him from parlaying his celebrity into raising awareness for ALS, a rare condition for which there is currently no cure.
“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,” the family statement said. “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.”
What Is ALS?
ALS gradually causes the muscles to atrophy, or waste away. This leads to worsening loss of movement, impairing the ability to walk, use the hands and arms, speak, chew, and swallow. It can become life-threatening when it affects the ability to breathe.
While there is no cure for ALS, medications and other therapies can slow its progression and prolong independence. In the United States, people with ALS live three to five years on average after diagnosis.