Following a battle with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) lasting less than a year, Grey's Anatomy star Eric Dane has passed away at the age of 53.
His family, in a statement, said that he passed on Thursday afternoon following a "courageous battle with ALS".
Dane, who was popular among fans as 'McSteamy' aka Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy, opened up about his battle with ALS after his diagnosis in April last year. He played the character of Sloan as a plastic surgeon for 15 years.
"He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife (actress Rebecca Gayheart) and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the centre of the world," read a statement released by his representatives.
Also read | What is ALS, the disease ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star Eric Dane is diagnosed with?
The statement also highlighted how Dane became a "passionate advocate for awareness and research" while battling ALS to make a difference for others facing the same fight.
Earlier, in an interview with Good Morning America, he said that every morning, he is immediately reminded of his current situation.
"My left side is functioning; my right side has completely stopped working. I feel like maybe in a couple more months, I won’t have my left hand either. It’s sobering,” he said.
Dane also appeared on HBO's Euphoria and starred as the captain of a US Navy destroyer in the post-apocalyptic drama.
ALS is a neurodegenerative disease in which a person's brain loses connection with muscles. The condition is commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, named after the Hall of Fame baseball legend whose life was cut short by the illness in 1941 at the age of 37.
ALS destroys the motor neurons required for essential functions like walking and breathing. Because the disease is so aggressive, most patients face a life expectancy of three to five years post-diagnosis.
At a conference in Washington on health insurance prior authorisation, Dane spoke about his battle with ALS. "I am here today not as an actor but as a patient battling ALS," he said.
In September last year, the ALS network named Dane the recipient of their Advocate of the Year award, recognising his commitment to raising awareness and support for people living with ALS.
Dane's memoir 'Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments' is scheduled to be published in late 2026. His memoir will cover his family, life as an actor and also learning about ALS.
"I want to capture the moments that shaped me. If sharing this helps someone find meaning in their own days, then my story is worth telling," he added.
