Actor Eric Dane, known for his roles in ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and HBO’s Euphoria, died on Thursday, February 19, 2026 after his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Born on November 9, 1972 in San Francisco, Dane made his television debut as Tad Pogue in a 1991 episode of Saved by the Bell titled “The Game.” He had a few guest roles in The Wonder Years, Married… with Children, Roseanne, and Silk Stalkings. Eventually, he made his breakthrough on screen as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloane in the hit medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, from season 2 to season 9 (2006-2012).
In October 2004, Dane married actress Rebecca Gayheart. The couple introduced their first daughter Billie in 2010, and later, their second daughter Georgia in December 2011. In 2018, the couple filed for divorce; however, Gayheart withdrew the papers and stayed close to Dane throughout his medical journey as they continued to co-parent their children.
In April 2025, Dane was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease. The ALS Association says “ALS is a progressive disease in which a person’s brain loses connection with the muscles, slowly taking away their ability to walk, talk, eat and eventually breathe.” Unfortunately, there is no definite cure that stops any advancement in the disease; however, new treatments are being tested to help lessen symptoms.
After his diagnosis, Dane became a crucial ALS activist, receiving the top advocacy award from the ALS network for his dedication to finding a cure. Throughout the year, he appeared on various talk shows, including Good Morning America, Impact x Nightline, I AM ALS Virtual Panel, and many more events where he shared his experience living with ALS and his determination to fight the disease.
Eric Dane was loved by many of his co-stars, and his death led to a plethora of reactions and feelings from his colleagues, causing them to reminisce on past memories.
Dane’s Grey’s Anatomy co-star, Patrick Dempsey, shared his thoughts in an interview with News Talk FM. “‘Eric was so beloved, and I think he would really be so happy to know—and I know a lot of people reached out to him before his passing to keep track—that he was so beloved and is deeply missed,’” Dempsey said, according to PEOPLE.
Former Grey’s Anatomy co-star Kate Walsh also expressed her sadness in an Instagram post on February 20, saying, “I am at a loss for words to try to express the sadness around Eric’s passing…I literally remember my very first scene with Eric…an elevator scene at Seattle Greys.” She continued, “As with most network TV shows, we spent more time with each other than with anyone else and so we became a family of sorts and Eric was such a source of support and love…”
In his last months, Dane created a short film, including his last words to his family and his supporters. Shortly following his death, Netflix released his interview, Famous Last Words in February, 2026. He spoke about his battle with ALS, as well as leaving one final message to his daughters: “I hope I’ve demonstrated that you can face anything, you can face the end of your days, you can face hell with dignity. Fight, girls, and hold your heads high. Billie and Georgia, you are my heart, you are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words.”
