On Thursday, February 20, 2026, beloved Emmy nominated actor Eric Dane passed away after his battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) at age 53. Eric Dane, best known for his iconic television roles in both Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, became an outspoken advocate for ALS up until the end of his life. Dane has been described by friends, family, and former cast members as a breath of fresh air who walked through life with humility and humor. Those in Dane’s close circle have stated that everyone was lucky to have known him, whether it was in person or through their television screens.
ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease without a known cause or a cure. Currently, around 30,000 to 35,000 Americans suffer from ALS, and every year, there are 5,000 new diagnoses. ALS affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, which leads to muscle weakness and loss of function. For people with ALS, everyday actions like eating, drinking, swallowing, walking, talking, and communicating can become extreme challenges. Although the Food and Drug Administration has approved several treatments and medications, ALS does not have a cure and often leads to death or severe disability. In September 2025, Dane received the ALS Network’s Advocate of the Year Award, as his commitment to raising awareness for the illness did not halt during his roughest patches. Although his life came to an early end, Dane was known for fighting not just for himself, but for everyone who suffers from ALS, bringing visibility to the devastating cause.
Eric Dane was not defined by his illness. His remarkable career in both television and film will be a profound legacy left behind, and one that will be remembered in the media industry forever. Dane is best known for his role in ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy on which he played Dr. Mark Sloan for eight seasons alongside cast members Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompello. Aside from his prominent role as Dr. Sloan in Grey’s, Dane also played polarizing television father Cal Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria with Zendaya and Jacob Elordi. Dane filmed the third and final season of Euphoria before his passing, and fans of his are looking forward to seeing his perseverance and performance when the show releases in April of this year. Aside from his distinguished television roles, Dane also had appearances in many other notable shows, like Saved by the Bell, Roseanne, and Married… with Children.
Eric Dane will always be remembered fondly in the world of Hollywood, as well as the ALS community. He is known not only for his characters on the screen, but also for his heart and his humanitarian efforts off set. His career and his life story show the world that living life with a smile on your face throughout the toughest of times is the best way to fight.
Rest in peace, Eric Dane.