The actor Eric Dane died on Thursday after suffering from ALS for some time, a disease he spoke openly about for the first time in April 2025.
Eric Dane, born in 1972, made his television debut in 1993 in series such as “Pang i plugget” and “En härlig tid”. He had his big breakthrough with his role in the drama series “Grey's Anatomy”, playing plastic surgeon Mark Sloan from 2006 to 2012.
Worked until the last minute
To a younger generation, he is probably best known for the HBO series “Euphoria.” There, he played Cal Jacobs, the patriarchal father of the character Nate Jacobs, played by Jacob Elordi.
Dane joined “Euphoria” in 2019 and worked until the very end, filming the third season, due for release in April, in which he appears in a wheelchair due to the disease. In 2025, he also had a role in the series “Brilliant Minds” where he plays a firefighter with ALS.
He has also appeared in several films, including the film "X-Men: The Last Stand" and "Americana".
Since 2004, Eric Dane has been married to actor and model Rebecca Gayheart and the couple has two children together.
Great sadness
Many of his former colleagues are now expressing their grief after the news of his passing. Alyssa Milano, who worked with Dane on the series “Bewitched,” writes on Instagram that “I can’t stop seeing the twinkle in Eric’s eye right before he said something that either made you spit out your drink or completely turn your perspective upside down. He had a razor-sharp sense of humor.”
ABC and 20th Television said in a statement to CBS News that "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Eric Dane. His extraordinary talent and unforgettable presence on 'Grey's Anatomy' left a lasting impression on viewers around the world, and his courage and dignity during his battle with ALS inspired so many."
“Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same struggle,” his representatives wrote in a statement, The Hollywood Reporter reports.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to break down. The disease causes the arms and legs to become increasingly paralyzed, affecting speech, swallowing and ultimately breathing.
Eric Dane was 53 and, according to a statement from his family, he spent his final days with friends and family.
