Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star, Dead at 53 Following ALS Battle

Rolling Stone

by Charisma Madarang

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Veteran actor Eric Dane, best known for his roles as Dr. Mark Sloan in *Grey’s Anatomy* and McQueen in *Euphoria*, has passed away at the age of 53 following a valiant battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Announcing his death on February 19, 2024, Dane’s family shared that he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones, including his wife and daughters, Billie and Georgia. Throughout his life, Dane became a passionate advocate for ALS awareness and research, driven by his personal experience with the disease. Dane had revealed his diagnosis in October 2023, which initially led to his inability to attend the Emmy Awards due to complications from his condition. However, despite this setback, he remained committed to advocating for ALS research by meeting with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to push for increased funding. His openness about his journey and willingness to use his platform to raise awareness made him a prominent figure in the fight against ALS. Dane’s passing is significant not only as a loss to the entertainment industry but also as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those living with ALS, which currently has no cure or fully understood causes. His advocacy work highlights the importance of continued research and support for individuals battling the disease. Eric Dane will be remembered not just for his memorable roles on screen, but for his courage, generosity, and dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.

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Originally published on Rolling Stone on 2/20/2026