The entertainment industry is in mourning following the passing of Eric Dane at the age of 53. The actor, widely recognized for his roles on some of television’s most popular series, died on February 19 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. His family confirmed the news to People magazine.
In an emotional statement, his loved ones shared that Eric Dane passed away surrounded by close friends, his devoted wife, and his two daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were described as the center of his world. Diagnosed with ALS in 2025, Dane became an outspoken advocate for awareness and research, working with the organization I Am ALS on legislation and fundraising initiatives. In previous interviews, he expressed his desire to use his platform to help others facing the same diagnosis.
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Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane grew up in California before moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting. He began his career in the 1990s with appearances on series such as Saved by the Bell, The Wonder Years, Roseanne, and Married… with Children. His breakthrough came in 2005 when he joined Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Mark Sloan, a role that quickly made him a fan favorite and solidified his status as a television star.
His portrayal of Cal Jacobs on Euphoria cemented his fame among Gen Z
While many remember him as ‘McSteamy’, Gen Z audiences came to know Eric Dane through his powerful portrayal of Cal Jacobs on HBO’s Euphoria. As the complicated and deeply flawed father of Nate Jacobs, Dane appeared in 12 episodes across the show’s first two seasons. Here’s one of his iconic scenes in the HBO’s series:
His performance brought emotional depth to one of the series’ most controversial characters, exploring themes of identity, secrecy, and family conflict. Because Euphoria became a cultural phenomenon among younger viewers, Dane experienced a renewed wave of recognition and relevance with a new generation of fans who associated him primarily with the HBO hit.
Throughout his career, Dane also appeared in films such as X-Men: The Last Stand and Marley & Me, as well as the TNT series The Last Ship. Eric Dane leaves behind a legacy that spans decades of television, remembered for both his unforgettable characters and his courage in facing illness with honesty and purpose.
