Eric Dane’s death at 53 has left a deep mark on the “Grey’s Anatom”y family and fans around the world. The actor, best known for playing Dr. Mark Sloan, also known as McSteamy, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 19, less than a year after being diagnosed with ALS, also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
“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,” Dane’s family told PEOPLE. “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.”
Dane starred as Dr. Mark Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy” from season 2 to season 9, becoming one of the show’s most beloved characters. Now, his longtime costar Patrick Dempsey is opening up about the painful final chapter of his friend’s life.
Patrick Dempsey Reflects on Eric Dane’s Rapid Health Decline
During an appearance on “The Chris Evans Breakfast Show” on Friday, Feb. 20, Dempsey, who portrayed Dr. Derek Shepherd on the hit ABC medical drama, shared emotional details about his last conversations with Dane. “I feel really so sad for his children,” said Dempsey. “I was corresponding with him, we were texting, so I spoke to him about a week ago and some friends of ours went in to see him and he was really starting to lose his ability to speak.”
© Getty ImagesDempsey described the shock of waking up and seeing news of Dane’s death. In his final days, the actor’s condition had worsened significantly. “He was bedridden, and it was very hard for him to swallow, so the quality of his life was deteriorating so rapidly,” said the “Bridget Jones’s Baby” star. “He was the funniest man – he was such a joy to work with, and I want to just remember him in that spirit because any time he was on set, he brought so much fun to it.”
“He had a great sense of humor. He was easy to work with, we got along instantly,” Dempsey continued. “First scene was him, you know, in all his glory, coming out of the bathroom with the towel on looking amazing, making you feel completely out of shape and insignificant.”
© Disney General Entertainment ConNo Rivalry, Only Respect on the ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Set
Fans often speculated about the behind-the-scenes competition between the two leading men of Grey’s Anatomy. Dempsey shut that down. “There was just this wonderful mutual respect,” said Dempsey. “He’s wickedly intelligent and I’m always going to remember those moments of fun that we had together and celebrate the joy that he did bring to people’s lives and the real loss is for us who don’t have them anymore.”
Dempsey also reflected on Dane’s ALS diagnosis and the legacy he leaves behind. “He did an incredible job at bringing awareness to this horrible disease and those remaining days, and it just reminds us that we all have to celebrate every day like it’s our last day.
© Disney General Entertainment Con“It’s something that we have to remember and certainly in a world where there is just so much crisis and there is so much tragedy that we really need to be grateful for every moment that we have… spend time with our families, do things that are better, that benefit of other people to be of service to be kind, to be loving and these values with our leadership unfortunately that we’re seeing around the world and certainly in America with this horrible, you know, corrupt government that is currently running America, we have to remember to treat our neighbors and our friends with the right values,” Dempsey concluded.
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Cast Pays Tribute to Eric Dane
Following Dane’s passing, several former castmates shared tributes on social media. Kevin McKidd reposted a photo of Dane on the Grey’s Anatomy set, writing, “Rest in peace buddy..,” over the image.
Sarah Drew also shared the same photo, writing, “Rest in peace,” alongside three crying emojis.
© Disney General Entertainment ConKim Raver honored her friend with a heartfelt Instagram post, sharing photos of them in scrubs and with Dane’s wife, Rebecca Gayheart. “Eric was a light. You’d see it effortlessly shine from him on the set of Grey’s as well as when he was with Rebecca and the girls,” she captioned the post. “During filming, he’d get this twinkle in his eye and with a mischievous look, he would deliver with perfect comedic timing, a line of dialogue that would floor you! You will be missed 🤍.”
Former showrunner Krista Vernoff also reflected on their friendship, posting screenshots of text messages from 2021 when Dane returned for a season 17 episode. “I called Eric, and he answered immediately,” Vernoff wrote. “The thing I will remember most about Eric Dane are his hugs. The best hugs. Oh my friend. I wish you peace.”
Understanding ALS and Eric Dane’s Advocacy
Dane shared his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rare and progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. Over time, patients experience increasing paralysis. There is currently no cure.
According to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, most people live three to five years after diagnosis, though some can survive much longer.
© Disney General Entertainment ConIn the final months of his life, Eric Dane used his platform to raise awareness about ALS research and support for families navigating the disease. His advocacy added another layer to a legacy already defined by unforgettable performances and genuine warmth.
For many, he will always be McSteamy. For those who knew him, he was a devoted husband, father, friend, and a light on set
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