Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria star Eric Dane’s cause of death has been confirmed.
Dane died on 19 February, aged 53, after what his family called “a courageous battle with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)”. He announced his diagnosis in April 2025.
According to a death certificate, obtained by People Magazine, Dane died from respiratory failure, with the document listing ALS as the underlying cause.
ALS, also known as motor neurone disease, is an incurable condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and causes increasing muscle paralysis over time.
His family said the actor spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia.
“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,” the family said in a statement.
“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.”
Dane married fellow actor Rebecca Gayheart in October 2004, and had two daughters together. Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, citing "irreconcilable differences”, but called the proceedings off after Dane was diagnosed with ALS.
“We are best of friends. We are really close,” Gayheart said in April 2025. “We are great co-parents. I think it’s important to not look at a relationship that ends as a failure.”
“It wasn't a failure,” she continued. “It was a huge success. We were married for, I mean, we are still married, but together for 15 years, and we had two beautiful kids so I think that’s a successful relationship, and that’s how we look at it.”
Patrick Dempsey led the tributes to his Grey’s Anatomy co-star, remembering him as “the funniest man” during an interview on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show.
Dempsey revealed that he had last spoken to a bedridden Dane about a week before his death when he was “really starting to lose his speech”.
“The quality of his life was deteriorating so rapidly,” he sad, describing Dane as a “joy to work with”.
“I just want to just remember him in that spirit,” said Dempsey who played Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd opposite Dane on the hit medical drama.
Dane was best known for playing Dr Mark Sloan in Grey’s Anatomy, a character nicknamed “McSteamy” who famously appeared in the show’s third season wearing only a towel.
He was introduced to a new audience in 2019 when he was cast in HBO drama Euphoria as Cal Jacobs, the father of Jacob Elordi’s character Nate.
Euphoria creator Sam Levinson said he was “heartbroken” by Dane’s death, stating: ”Working with him was an honour. Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing.”
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