Eric William Dane, the charismatic American actor best known for his roles as Dr. Mark "McSteamy" Sloan on "Grey's Anatomy" and Cal Jacobs on "Euphoria," passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 53. His death followed a courageous and public battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a diagnosis he shared in April 2025. Dane spent his final days surrounded by his loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and dedicated advocacy for ALS awareness.

Born on November 9, 1972, in San Francisco, California, Dane discovered his passion for acting in high school. He moved to Los Angeles in 1993 to pursue his dreams, securing early guest appearances on popular television shows such as "Saved by the Bell," "The Wonder Years," and "Married... with Children." His career began to gain momentum with a recurring role as Jason Dean on the supernatural drama "Charmed" from 2003 to 2004.

Dane achieved widespread recognition and heartthrob status when he joined the cast of ABC's hit medical drama "Grey's Anatomy" in 2006. His portrayal of the charming plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Sloan, affectionately nicknamed "McSteamy," captivated audiences and made him a household name. During his tenure on the show, which lasted until 2012 with a guest return in 2021, he also appeared in films like "X-Men: The Last Stand" (2006) and "Marley & Me" (2008).

Following his departure from "Grey's Anatomy," Dane continued to showcase his versatility, starring as Captain Tom Chandler in the TNT series "The Last Ship" from 2014 to 2018. He later garnered critical acclaim for his darker, complex role as Cal Jacobs in HBO's "Euphoria," which premiered in 2019 and continued until his passing. In April 2025, Dane publicly announced his ALS diagnosis, transforming his personal health battle into a platform for advocacy and awareness, inspiring many with his resilience.

Eric Dane's contributions to television and film, coupled with his unwavering spirit in the face of illness, have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and beyond. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine, who were the center of his world. His memory will be cherished by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless fans who admired his talent and strength.