Eric Dane, "Grey's Anatomy" star diagnosed with ALS, dies at 53

In April 2025, Eric Dane announced he had been diagnosed​ with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. U.S. Eric Dane, "Grey's Anatomy" star diagnosed with ALS, dies at 53 By Faris Tanyos Faris Tanyos News Editor Faris Tanyos is a news editor for CBSNews.com, where he writes and edits stories and tracks breaking news. He previously worked as a digital news producer at several local news stations up and down the West Coast. Read Full Bio Faris Tanyos Updated on: February 19, 2026 / 9:32 PM EST / CBS News Add CBS News on Google Eric Dane, the actor best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on the hit medical series "Grey's Anatomy," has died at the age of 53, his family announced Thursday. In April 2025, Dane announced he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. "With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," his family said in a statement provided to CBS News. "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. 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. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time." Actor Eric Dane is photographed at the St. Regis in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 30, 2025. Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images Along with his long run on "Grey's Anatomy," Dane was a prolific actor with dozens of credits dating back to the early 1990s, including roles in television shows including "Euphoria" and "Charmed," and films such as 2006's "X-Men: Last Stand" and 2010's "Burlesque."He is survived by his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters. ALS, which is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a disease that impacts the nervous system and affects the brain and spinal cord, according to the Mayo Clinic. It worsens over time. This is a developing story and will be updated. Kerry Breen contributed to this report. More from CBS News Isaiah Zagar, artist behind Philly's Magic Gardens, dies at age 86