Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star who battled ALS, dies at 53; everything you need to know about his career, networth and family

Eric Dane, the actor who rose to fame as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and later delivered a darker turn in Euphoria, has died at 53, his family confirmed Thursday(February 19). His death comes nearly one year after he publicly disclosed his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

His family confirmed in the statement, "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.”

The rise of Eric Dane

Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane endured tragedy early in life when his father died from a gunshot wound when he was just 7 years old.

“He was a Navy man and ended up becoming an architect and interior designer. He was a troubled soul,” Dane told in an interview in 2014. Dane discovered acting by chance while he was a high school water polo player, after a shortened season led him to take on the role of Joe Keller in a production of All My Sons.

According to People website, after graduating, Dane moved to Los Angeles with just “40 bucks in my pocket” and later admitted he spent the next eight years partying and getting into trouble.

He appeared in guest roles on Saved by the Bell, The Wonder Years, Roseanne, and Married... with Children, had a recurring part on Gideon’s Crossing, starred in two seasons of Charmed, and made his film debut in 2000’s The Basket.

According to Celebrity Networth, his networth is $7 Million.

In 2006, he debuted on Grey’s Anatomy as Mark Sloan, a fan-favorite role that quickly became a series regular and solidified his image as a TV sex symbol, according to the People website.

“I love that character; I just didn’t want to play that guy for the rest of my life,” he said. “It’s counterintuitive to what any actor wants to do with their career.”

His other television and film credits included Euphoria, Burlesque, Valentine’s Day, Marley & Me and The Last Ship. In 2004, he married actress Rebecca Gayheart, and the couple later welcomed daughters Billie in 2010 and Georgia in 2011.

Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018 before moving to dismiss the petition in March 2025; Dane is survived by his two daughters.