Eric Dane, the actor best known as Dr. Mark Sloan-nicknamed “McSteamy”—on Grey’s Anatomy and as Cal Jacobs on Euphoria, died on February 19, 2026. He was 53. Dane had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2025, a progressive neurological condition that gradually affects muscle control.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” his family said in a statement. They added 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.” The family said he had become “a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight,” and that he “adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support,” while requesting privacy as they navigate “this impossible time.”
Born in San Francisco in 1972 and raised in the Bay Area, Dane attended Sequoia High School in Redwood City and San Mateo High School in San Mateo before moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting. His early television work in the 1990s included appearances on Saved by the Bell, The Wonder Years, Roseanne and Married… with Children.
Dane’s first notable television break came with a recurring role as Dr. Wyatt Cooper on Gideon’s Crossing in 2000. That same year he made his film debut in The Basket, directed by Rich Cowan. Over the next decade he appeared in films including Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane, Sol Goode, Feast, X-Men: The Last Stand, Marley & Me and Open Water 2, and played Jason Dean for two seasons on Charmed.
His profile rose sharply after a guest turn as Dr. Mark Sloan on Season 2 of Grey’s Anatomy in 2005. The part-marked by a mix of swagger and vulnerability-led to a regular role from Season 3 through Season 8. He later returned for two episodes in Season 9 and reprised the role 19 years later in Season 17’s episode “Breathe,” a performance that cemented the enduring “McSteamy” nickname and a global fan base.
Dane later starred in the TNT action drama The Last Ship, produced by Michael Bay, from 2014 to 2019. In 2019 he joined HBO’s Euphoria as Cal Jacobs, appearing in 12 episodes across the show’s first two seasons and returning for the third, a role that introduced him to a new generation and showcased a darker, more complex performance. His final screen appearances included Borderline, Into the Beautiful, Family Secrets and television projects such as Wireless, Countdown and Kabul.
After disclosing his diagnosis, Dane worked with the advocacy group I Am ALS, supporting legislation and fundraising aimed at advancing research. Friends and colleagues said his public openness about the disease reflected the resilience he had shown privately.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/entertainment/story/greys-anatomys-mcsteamy-eric-dane-dies-after-battle-with-als-1348862-2026-02-20?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-02-20 09:31:00
