Eric Dane, best known to UK audiences for his role in Grey’s Anatomy, has died aged 53, just one year after revealing he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (ALS).
The actor passed away on Thursday afternoon, according to a family statement released to People. He died surrounded by his wife and two daughters.
His death marks a significant loss for television fans worldwide, including many in the UK who followed his long-running career on prime-time drama.
His family confirmed that he “spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the centre of his world.”
They added that following his diagnosis, Dane “became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight.”
Who was Eric Dane?
Eric Dane rose to global fame as Dr Mark “McSteamy” Sloan in the hit US medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. The show has aired widely in the UK on channels including Sky Witness and Disney+, building a strong British fan base over nearly two decades.
Dane appeared in the series for six seasons, becoming one of its most recognisable characters. His portrayal of the confident yet emotionally complex surgeon helped define the show’s peak popularity years.
More recently, he starred as Cal Jacobs in the critically acclaimed HBO drama Euphoria, which also streams in the UK. The darker role showed a different side to his acting range.
Speaking previously about moving beyond Grey’s Anatomy, Dane told: “I certainly don’t want to offend any of the Grey’s fans, but as an actor, you want to be able to experience different characters, and I hope they come on the journey with me.”
In his final screen appearance, Dane played a firefighter diagnosed with ALS in Brilliant Minds, a role that sadly mirrored his real-life condition.
What is ALS, and how serious is it?
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), known in the UK as motor neurone disease (MND), is a progressive neurological condition. It affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and loss of movement.
According to the UK-based Motor Neurone Disease Association, around 5,000 adults in the UK are living with MND at any one time.
The disease has no cure. Average life expectancy after diagnosis is typically two to five years, although this varies.
High-profile cases, including physicist Stephen Hawking, have previously brought public attention to the condition.
Dane publicly revealed his diagnosis just one year ago. In that time, his family says he worked to raise awareness and support research efforts.
How have fans and the entertainment industry reacted?
Tributes have poured in across social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where UK viewers have shared clips of his most memorable scenes.
Comecei a ver Grey’s Anatomy com a minha mãe pq ela tinha visto ele em um trailer e se apaixonou pelo Eric Dane.
Assistimos juntos a quase 20 temporadas, era nosso date de mãe e filho todos os dias por diversas semanas.
É ruim ver essa notícia. Descanse em paz, Mark Sloan. https://t.co/aF7F1DVIZF
— Nação Marvel (@nacaomarvell) February 20, 2026
Industry colleagues described him as generous, dedicated, and deeply committed to his craft. Many fans have revisited classic Grey’s Anatomy episodes, which remain popular on UK streaming platforms.
His family concluded their statement by saying: “He adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.”
Why does Eric Dane’s death resonate beyond Hollywood?
Although Dane worked primarily in US television, British audiences embraced his performances for nearly 20 years. Medical dramas and character-led series remain among the UK’s most-streamed genres.
The news also renews focus on motor neurone disease awareness. In the UK, fundraising campaigns such as the Ice Bucket Challenge, which raised millions for MND research in 2014, previously showed how celebrity cases can drive public support.
Dane’s openness about his diagnosis helped shine a light on the emotional and physical toll of the condition.
