Key Takeaways
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- Eric Dane, known for his roles in Greys Anatomy and Euphoria, passed away at the age of 53 after battling ALS for ten months.
- Despite his diagnosis, Dane continued acting, starring in Countdown on Amazon Prime and Brilliant Minds on NBC, where he played a firefighter living with ALS.
- Dane was an advocate for ALS awareness and shared his story to inspire others, speaking at a news conference in Washington about health insurance prior authorization.
- His memoir, Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, is set to be published later this year.
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Eric Dane, known for his roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, died last Thursday, February 20, 2026, at the age of 53, ten months after publicly announcing his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The actor’s family confirmed his death to NBC News, and George Pennacchio also confirmed the news. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Eric Dane passed away in the afternoon of Thursday, after a brave battle against ALS,” the family’s statement read, as reported by People magazine. “He spent his last days surrounded by loved ones, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.” Recognized for his advocacy work on ALS awareness, Dane shared his diagnosis in April 2025. By September, he aimed to raise a billion dollars for ALS research. Despite his diagnosis, Dane continued his acting career, starring in the Amazon Prime crime series Countdown in June. In November, his guest role as a firefighter living with ALS on NBC’s hospital drama Brilliant Minds garnered positive reviews for its emotional depth.
Eric Dane Fights and Inspires through ALS Advocacy and Memoir Release
“Eric Dane was determined to help those with ALS,” his representatives stated. In a virtual chat in December, Dane shared that it was important for him to tell his story to as many people as possible, stating, “I didn’t feel like life was just about me anymore.” Dane became an advocate for ALS awareness, speaking at a news conference in Washington about health insurance prior authorization. The nonprofit group I Am ALS said in a statement that Dane brought humility, humor, and attention to ALS and “reminded the world that progress is possible when we refuse to stay quiet.” Dane gained recognition for his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan in Grey’s Anatomy, appearing in the second season and remaining for six years until his character’s death. He later starred as Cal Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria, portraying the authoritarian father of Nate Jacobs, played by Jacob Elordi. He also played Madrox, the Multiple Man, in X-Men: The Last Stand and appeared in Burlesque, Marley & Me, and In & Out of Love. These roles, among others, solidified his presence in the entertainment industry. (Omelete) Dane’s memoir, Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, is set to be published later this year.