The Daily Populous Friday February 20th, 2026 morning edition
Authored by nbcnews.com and submitted by Waste-Explanation-76

Actor Eric Dane, who played Dr. Mark Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy” and also appeared in the HBO show “Euphoria,” died Thursday at 53, his family said.

In April, Dane publicly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS and Lou Gehrig’s disease. It's a fatal disease that affects the nervous system.

"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," the family said in a statement released by his representative.

"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," the family said.

Dane said April 10 in a statement about his diagnosis to People that he was "grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”

Dane became an advocate for awareness of and research into ALS, his family said.

He was "determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight," they 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," the family said in the statement. "The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”

Eric Dane as Dr Mark Sloan in "“Grey’s Anatomy”. Eric McCandless / Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

On “Grey’s Anatomy,” Dane played Dr. Mark Sloan, appearing from 2006 to 2012, when the character was fatally injured in a plane crash at the end of the eighth season. Sloan died in the premiere of the ninth.

In the HBO series “Euphoria,” Dane played Cal Jacobs.

He played Marcus in the 2010 film “Burlesque” and the shapeshifter “Multiple Man” in the 2006 film “X-Men: The Last Stand.”

Dane was born in San Francisco on Nov. 9, 1972. Before “Grey’s Anatomy,” he played Jason Dean in “Charmed” and another role as a doctor in four episodes of the TV series “Gideon’s Crossing."

Eric Dane as Dr Mark Sloanm left, and Patrick Dempsey as Dr Derek Shepherd in "“Grey’s Anatomy”. Eric McCandless / Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

But a different role as a doctor — handsome, tall plastic surgeon "Sloan" in "Grey’s Anatomy" — brought him fame. Some characters on the show, as well as fans, called him “McSteamy.”

In June, two months after he revealed his diagnosis, Dane said in an interview that aired on “Good Morning America” that he had one functioning arm. He said his symptoms began with a weakness in his right hand. Nine months later, after visits with multiple specialists, he was diagnosed with ALS.

“I will never forget those three letters,” Dane told ABC News’ Diane Sawyer in the interview.

He said his wife, actor Rebecca Gayheart, whom he married in 2004, was a great source of comfort.

Rebecca Gayheart and Eric Dane in Hollywood, Calif. in 2006. Paul Redmond / WireImage via Getty Images

“She is probably my biggest champion and my most stalwart supporter, and I lean on her,” Dane said in the ABC interview.

Dane was on the Target ALS board of directors and was also an advocate for I AM ALS, both of which are nonprofit organizations dedicated to research into the deadly disease.

“We are heartbroken by the passing of our friend Eric Dane — a fierce advocate, a generous spirit, and a true champion in the movement to end ALS,” I AM ALS said in a statement Thursday.

“Eric brought humility, humor, and visibility to ALS and reminded the world that progress is possible when we refuse to remain silent,” the group said.

Eric Dane at a Los Angeles premiere on Jun. 18. Valerie Macon / AFP via Getty Images file

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says on its website that around 5,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS every year but that the number is hard to estimate. Most people live two to five years after symptoms develop, according to the CDC.

lionofyhwh on February 20th, 2026 at 02:47 UTC »

The Last Ship is a guilty pleasure show that I’ve rewatched many times. RIP. We need way more ALS research to figure this damn disease out.

Clayton__Bigsby on February 20th, 2026 at 02:37 UTC »

Just incredibly sad. 53 is way too young. RIP

Ritaredditonce on February 20th, 2026 at 02:35 UTC »

ALS took our McSteamy.