Actor Eric Dane, who featured on Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Mark Sloan—aka “McSteamy”—and the HBO series Euphoria died on Thursday just less than a year after announcing he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Dane announced his ALS diagnosis in an interview last year, saying he was “grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”
He reprised his role as Cal Jacobs in the third season of Euphoria, which completed production in November and will release starting April 12. His character is a deeply conflicted father known for his volatile relationship with his son, Nate, who is played by Jacob Elordi.
Dane’s family confirmed his death to People, saying: “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS.”
“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” the family said in a 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 fight,” the family wrote. “He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always.”
“Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time,” they added.
Dane, born in San Francisco, lost his father when he was 7 years old. He moved to Los Angeles after graduating high school, where he played small roles on major TV shows including Saved by the Bell, The Wonder Years, Roseanne and Married… with Children.
His big break came in back-to-back major roles on Gideon’s Crossing and Charmed, but it was guest spot as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy that would make him a household name. His brief second-season appearance made such an impact with viewers that he ended up returning in the third season and staying until the eighth.
He then joined TNT series The Last Ship, which ran for four seasons, before joining the cast of Euphoria.
Dane is survived by his wife Rebecca Gayheart, whom he married in 2004, and their two daughters. Gayheart had previously petitioned for divorce, but later filed a request for dismissal after seven years of separation.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control and eventually the ability to speak, eat and breathe independently.
This is a breaking news story. Updates will follow.
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