Fans around the world are mourning Eric Dane, who died at 53 after battling ALS. In the days following his passing, many returned to his final Instagram post — a message that now feels especially heartbreaking.
Best known as Dr. Mark Sloan (“McSteamy”) on Grey’s Anatomy, Dane had recently joined the board of the Target ALS Foundation to raise awareness and support research. In one of his last posts, he wrote:
“This disease takes something from me every day. But I won’t let it take my spirit.”
What once seemed like a message of resilience now reads to many as a powerful farewell.
By mid-2025, ALS had severely limited his mobility, and his family confirmed he passed away Thursday after a courageous fight. They shared that advocacy became central to his final chapter and that he was determined to help others facing the disease.
Born in 1972, Dane rose to global fame on Grey’s Anatomy and later starred in projects like Euphoria, The Last Ship, and several major films. In his final months, he spoke openly about ALS, determined to raise awareness despite his decline.
He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie and Georgia.