For fans of gray’s anatomyThe last two decades have been a roller coaster of emotions, but none more heartbreaking than this. Eric Dane, known to millions as the charming and confident Dr. Mark ‘McSteamy’ Sloane, has died at the age of 53 after a courageous battle with ALS.
The actor’s representatives confirmed that Eric “spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife [actor Rebecca Gayheart] And his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.
About the actor’s journey with ALS
Eric revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, sharing that his symptoms had started about 18 months earlier. According to his family’s statement, “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same battle. He will be deeply missed, and will always be fondly remembered. Eric loved his fans and is forever grateful for the love and support he received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
A native of San Francisco, Eric rose to fame in 2006 when he joined the cast of gray’s anatomy Midway through its second season. What started as a one-episode guest appearance soon became one of the show’s most beloved and tragic storylines. As Mark Sloane – the bubbly plastic surgeon and best friend of Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) – Eric became a part of the hit medical drama, appearing in over 130 episodes between 2006 and 2012.
Netizens mourn the loss of a star
Netizens around the world have paid emotional tribute to Eric Dane on social media and expressed grief over the passing of their beloved McSteamy. One comment on 💔.”
Beyond Grey’s Anatomy
After leaving the show, Dane starred in TNT the last ship From 2014 to 2018, playing a Navy captain leading the search for a cure to a pandemic. later he came forward Excitement (2019–22) as Cal Jacobs, Nate Jacobs’ complicated father, portrayed by Jacob Elordi.
On the big screen he played Jamie Madrox/Multiple Man X-Men: The Last Stand (2013) and appeared alongside Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson marley and me (2008).
Eric has been open about his struggle with drug addiction during his tenure gray’s anatomy Year. “If you take the whole eight years on Grey’s Anatomy, I was fucked longer than I was sober. And that’s when things started going sideways for me,” he admitted on a 2024 episode of Armchair Expert.
Reflecting on his legacy, Eric once told good morning america“In the moment, it was just another scene for me. I just remember walking out of the bathroom with a very nice gentleman blowing smoke.” [to create steam] On my side.” That one scene made television history and immortalized him as McSteamy.
Eric Dane’s passing marks the end of an era grey’s anatomy Fans and Hollywood are the same.