'Grey's Anatomy' star Eric Dane dies at 53 after ALS battle
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 20, 2026
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Eric Dane, the celebrated actor known for his roles in *Grey’s Anatomy* and *Euphoria*, passed away at 53 after a courageous battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. His representatives confirmed his death on Thursday, emphasizing that he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones, including his wife and two daughters. Dane became a prominent advocate for ALS awareness during his illness, speaking at conferences and receiving recognition for his efforts.
Dane’s career began in the late 1980s with guest appearances on shows like *Saved by the Bell* and *Married...With Children*. His big break came in 2006 when he joined *Grey’s Anatomy* as Dr. Mark Sloan, a role that earned him widespread recognition and led to further opportunities, including recurring roles in *Euphoria* and *The Last Ship*. Despite his success, Dane faced personal challenges, including a temporary hiatus from acting in 2017 due to depression.
In June 2023, Dane publicly shared his ALS diagnosis. He quickly became an outspoken advocate for the disease, addressing issues like health insurance prior authorization at a news conference in Washington. His efforts were recognized later that year when he was awarded the ALS Network’s Advocate of the Year. In addition to his activism, Dane has been working on a memoir, *Book of Days: A Memo
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/20/2026