LOS ANGELES — Eric Dane, the veteran actor who captivated television audiences as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and more recently as the complex patriarch Cal Jacobs on Euphoria, has died at the age of 53. His family confirmed his passing on Thursday, February 19, 2026, following a courageous and widely publicized battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The news of his death comes less than a year after Dane first publicly shared his diagnosis of the neurodegenerative disease. In recent months, the actor had been open about the progression of the illness, revealing just six days ago that he had lost the use of his right arm. Despite these physical setbacks, Dane remained a fixture in the industry, recently receiving support from high-profile friends including Johnny Depp and former co-stars Patrick Dempsey and Ellen Pompeo.
A Career Defined by Iconic Roles
Born in San Francisco, Dane rose to international stardom in 2006 when he joined the cast of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. His portrayal of the charming plastic surgeon Mark Sloan earned him a Satellite Award and a permanent place in pop culture history. He remained a series regular until 2012 and made a sentimental guest appearance during the show’s 17th season.
Beyond the halls of Grey Sloan Memorial, Dane proved his versatility across multiple genres:
- The Last Ship: He starred as Captain Tom Chandler in the post-apocalyptic drama from 2014 to 2018.
- Euphoria: Since 2019, he delivered a critically acclaimed performance as Cal Jacobs, a role that showcased his dramatic range.
- Film Credits: His cinematic work included roles in X-Men: The Last Stand, Marley & Me, Valentine’s Day, and Burlesque.
Final Months and Legacy
In the hours leading up to the announcement, reports surfaced regarding the community of support surrounding the actor. Earlier today, it was revealed that Johnny Depp had been assisting Dane with housing, offering a “pay-what-you-can” rent arrangement as Dane navigated the financial and physical toll of his illness.
Dane is survived by his two daughters, whom he recently vowed to fight for “until the last breath.” While he and actress Rebecca Gayheart separated eight years ago, Gayheart confirmed in a recent interview that they remained legally married and were dedicated to co-parenting their children as a united family throughout his health crisis.
Tributes from the entertainment world have begun to pour in, with Euphoria co-star Colman Domingo and other industry peers praising Dane’s “buoyant spirit” and professional dedication. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but the family has requested privacy during this time.