Eric Dane death: ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ stars, friends share condolences

Eric Dane, the celebrated actor best known for his roles on 'Grey’s Anatomy' and 'Euphoria' and who later in life became advocate for ALS awareness, died at the age of 53.

Following the death of Eric Dane, many of former co-stars, including Patrick Dempsey, Alyssa Milano and Nina Dobrev, shared heartfelt tributes remembering the late actor.

Dane, the celebrated actor best known for his roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria and who later in life became an advocate for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) awareness, died Thursday at the age of 53.

His representatives said Dane died from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, less than a year after he announced his diagnosis.

“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,” said a statement that requested privacy for his family.

“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. 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.”

Dane developed a devoted fanbase when his big break arrived in the mid-2000s: He was cast as Dr. Mark Sloan, also known as “McSteamy,” on the ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, a role he would play from 2006 until 2012 and reprise in 2021. In 2019, he did a complete 180-degree turn from the charming McSteamy and became the troubled Cal Jacobs in HBO’s provocative drama Euphoria, a role he continued up until his death.

Dane’s Grey’s Anatomy co-star Dempsey shared details about working with the late actor after news of his death spread.

Dempsey, who played Dr. Derek Shepherd (a.k.a. “McDreamy”) on the medical drama, spoke about how he felt once he heard the news during an appearance on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Friday.