Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Renowned actor Eric Dane, best known for his roles as Dr. Mark Sloan on the hit series "Grey's Anatomy" and Cal Jacobs on "Euphoria," passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
He passed away at the age of 53 after a courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
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The sad news was confirmed by his family in a heartfelt official statement.
Eric Dane's death is a significant loss to the entertainment industry and to his fans worldwide.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing the gradual loss of muscle function.
A Tough Journey Against ALS
Eric Dane was first diagnosed with ALS in late 2023, after initial symptoms of weakness in his right hand began to appear.
In April 2025, Dane publicly announced his condition, a bold move to raise awareness.
The disease progressed rapidly; by June 2025, he had lost full use of his right arm and hand.
By September 2025, his speech had become slurred, and by October 2025, he was confined to a wheelchair full-time.
His ex-wife, Rebecca Gayheart, revealed in December 2025 that Dane required 24-hour care due to the rapid progression of the disease.
Despite facing significant health challenges, Eric Dane remains a staunch advocate for ALS awareness and research.
He even portrayed a firefighter living with ALS in the TV series "Brilliant Minds" in November 2025, channeling his personal experiences into his art.
Family Support and Final Career Dedication
A statement from Eric Dane's family revealed that he spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two daughters, Billie and Georgia.
They were the center of his world, providing strength during difficult times.
Although Rebecca Gayheart filed for divorce in February 2018, she withdrew the petition in March 2025 to keep the family together amidst Dane's health challenges.
Gayheart played an active role in his care, even filling in for nursing shifts when no medical personnel were available, and fighting with insurance companies to ensure Dane received the best possible care.
Before his death, Dane also planned to release a memoir titled "Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments" through Maria Shriver's The Open Field imprint.
Remembering an Iconic Figure: Eric Dane's Roles
Eric Dane is best known as Dr. Mark Sloan, also known as "McSteamy," on the hit ABC medical drama "Grey's Anatomy" from 2006 to 2012, returning in 2021.
Furthermore, Dane also stole the show as Cal Jacobs, the father of Jacob Elordi's character, in the HBO series "Euphoria."
His role in the upcoming third season of "Euphoria" was filmed while he was confined to a wheelchair due to health issues.
Other notable roles in Eric Dane's filmography include appearances in the series "Charmed" and "The Last Ship," as well as films such as "X-Men: The Last Stand," "Marley & Me," and "Burlesque."