Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria star Eric Dane dies at 53

The actor suffered from Charcot’s disease. We will be able to see him on screen one last time, in season 3 of Euphoria in the spring.

He was McSteamy.

Eric Dane, known worldwide for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan in Grey’s Anatomy died this Thursday at the age of 53.

The American actor from San Francisco was able to bounce back in the 2010s by playing the troubled father Cal Jacobs in Euphoria. He was diagnosed in 2025 with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Charcot disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease. His family announced his death to People magazine:

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Eric Dane’s passing on Thursday afternoon after 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 illness, Eric became a fierce advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others. He will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts. memoir Eric loved his fans and was eternally grateful for the love and support received. The family requests privacy during this impossible time.”

After making his diagnosis public, he became involved with the “I Am ALS” association to support research and legislative actions. He recently explained to the Washington Post: “I’ve always been an open book about certain aspects of my life. It’s something I felt compelled to share. I don’t really care what people think of me. It’s more: How can I help? How can I be useful? Not to be morbid, but if I’m going to leave, I might as well leave helping someone.”

Eric Dane began his career in the 90s, with a series of small TV roles in Saved by the Bell Or Married, two children and also playing Jason Dean for two seasons in Charmedbefore obtaining a recurring role in 2000 in the medical series Gideon’s Crossing. He put on the white coat of his life in 2005, when he first appeared as Dr. Mark Sloan in a season 2 episode of Grey’s Anatomy. The character became so popular that he joined the regular cast the following season and remained there until his exit in season 8. He nevertheless returned for two tragic episodes in season 9 which marked his heartbreaking farewell to the drama, in the wake of the plane crash.

ABC Studios and 20th Television, producers of Grey’sreacted: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Eric Dane. His remarkable talent and unforgettable presence on Grey’s Anatomy left a lasting impression on audiences around the world, and his courage in the face of ALS inspired so many. Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones and the many fans touched by his work.”

In 2019, Eric Dane joined Euphoria on HBO, playing Cal Jacobs, secretly bisexual father of Nate Jacobs, played by Jacob Elordi. He appears in 12 episodes of the first two seasons and reprized the role for season 3 expected in April.

The creator and director, Sam Levinson, pays tribute to him: “I am heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a privilege. Our thoughts are with Eric’s family. May his memory be a blessing.”

In the cinema, he appeared in a few successful films in the 2000s, notably in X‑Men: The Last Stand (he played the mutant Multiple Man) or in the romantic comedy Marley and me. He also plays the leading role of Open Water 2 and that of the villain of Bad Boys: Ride or Die.

In recent months, we have seen him in the European series Kabul from France Télévisions, but also in the film Americana against Sydney Sweeney. He will also be in season 3 of Euphoriawhich will be broadcast this spring on HBO Max in France.