Eric Dane, the actor best known as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy, has died at 53. His family said he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones and that he had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Colleagues, cast members and network representatives expressed deep sorrow and paid tribute to both his work and his courage.
A career-defining presence
Dane’s turn as Dr. Mark Sloan transformed a guest spot into one of Grey’s Anatomy’s most memorable characters. Introduced early in the series, Mark—nicknamed “McSteamy”—quickly became a central figure, appearing in more than a hundred episodes and anchoring major romantic and dramatic storylines. His close friendship with Derek Shepherd and his often-turbulent relationships left lasting marks on the show and its fans. The hospital’s later renaming to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital was one of the ways the series preserved the character’s legacy.
Writers and viewers alike pointed to the emotional heft of Mark’s death onscreen—revealed after a devastating plane crash—as a turning point that reshaped several characters’ arcs and resonated long after the episode aired. Dane even returned to the series for brief, dreamlike scenes years later, moments that underscored how his character continued to inhabit the show’s emotional landscape.
A wider body of work
Beyond Grey’s, Dane built a steady screen career. He appeared on television in shows such as The Last Ship and Euphoria and had roles in films including X‑Men: The Last Stand and Marley & Me. Fans and colleagues remember him for a magnetic on‑screen presence and for bringing warmth and complexity to his parts.
Advocacy and honesty about struggles
In the months before his death, Dane went public about his ALS diagnosis and used his visibility to raise awareness. He spoke about the realities of living with a degenerative disease, advocated for greater research funding and highlighted the needs of patients and caregivers. Those efforts prompted renewed attention from advocacy groups and lawmakers and encouraged conversations about access to trials and care.
Throughout his life he was also candid about personal challenges, including past battles with addiction and mental health struggles. He spoke openly about seeking treatment and how those experiences informed both his life and his work.
Family and tributes
A family statement said Dane’s wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie and Georgia, were by his side. The family requested privacy as they grieve. Gayheart has written about the complexities of their relationship and the care that followed his illness.
Tributes poured in from co‑stars, producers and the network, many recalling his generosity, talent and the friendship he offered off-camera. Grey’s Anatomy has said the series will honor him in an upcoming episode when it returns from its break.
Remembered
Eric Dane leaves behind a body of work that reached large audiences and a quieter legacy of advocacy and candor. For many viewers, his role as Mark Sloan—equal parts charm and vulnerability—remains unforgettable. His family, friends and fans will carry forward memories of his performances, his advocacy and the personal honesty he brought to both his life and his craft.