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Eric William Dane (November 9, 1972 – February 19, 2026) was an American actor best known for his portrayal of Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on the long-running medical drama Grey’s Anatomy.
Quick Bio
- Full Name: Eric William Dane
- Date of Birth: November 9, 1972
- Date of Death: February 19, 2026
- Age at Death: 53 years
- Birthplace: San Francisco, California, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Mixed European
- Profession: Actor
- Years Active: 1991 – 2026
- Height: 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm)
- Net Worth: Estimated $7–10 million
Early Life, Parents & Education
Eric Dane was born and raised in San Francisco, California. He was raised in the Jewish faith and had a bar mitzvah during his adolescence.
Parents:
His father, William Melvin Dane, was an architect and interior designer, and his mother, Leah Dane, was a homemaker.
When he was seven years old, his father died, a traumatic event that profoundly shaped his early life.
The loss instilled resilience and maturity at a young age and influenced his perspective on family and responsibility.
Siblings:
Eric Dane had one younger brother named Kevin Dane.
Education
Dane attended Sequoia High School in Redwood City, California, before transferring to San Mateo High School, where he graduated in 1991.
During his school years, he was a talented athlete, particularly excelling in water polo.
His interest in acting developed after participating in a school production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons.
The experience sparked a deep passion for performance, leading him to pursue acting professionally rather than attending college.
After graduation, he relocated to Los Angeles to begin auditioning and training seriously for a career in entertainment.
Career
Early Career (1991–2005): Dane began his acting career with guest appearances in popular television series throughout the 1990s, including sitcoms and family dramas.
He built steady momentum with recurring roles and television movies, gradually establishing himself within the industry.
Breakthrough – Grey’s Anatomy (2005–2012, 2021): Dane’s career-defining moment came when he was cast as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy.
Introduced initially as a guest character, he quickly became a series regular due to overwhelming audience popularity.
His character earned the nickname “McSteamy,” becoming one of the show’s most beloved and iconic figures. The role elevated Dane to international fame and solidified his status as a television star.
Film Career:
Alongside his television success, Dane appeared in several feature films, including major studio releases and ensemble romantic comedies. His film work demonstrated his ability to transition between action, drama, and lighthearted roles.
Leading Roles & Reinvention (2014–2026): From 2014 to 2018, Dane starred as Captain Tom Chandler in the action-drama series The Last Ship, portraying a naval commander navigating a global crisis.
In 2019, he underwent a dramatic reinvention with his portrayal of Cal Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria.
The role showcased a darker, more psychologically complex side of his acting range and earned critical acclaim.
Selected Filmography
Film
- X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
- Marley & Me (2008)
- Valentine’s Day (2010)
- Burlesque (2010)
- Marley & Me: The Puppy Years (2011)
Television
- Grey’s Anatomy (2005–2012; guest appearance 2021)
- The Last Ship (2014–2018)
- Euphoria (2019–2026)
- Various guest appearances (1990s–2000s)
Wife, Kids and Relationships
Eric Dane married actress Rebecca Gayheart in 2004. The couple had two daughters together.
- Billie Beatrice Dane (born 2010)
- Georgia Geraldine Dane (born 2011)
Although they separated and filed for divorce in 2018, they later reconciled during Dane’s battle with ALS and remained united in co-parenting and family support.
Dane was open about personal challenges throughout his life, including struggles with depression and substance dependency.
He sought treatment and later used his experiences to encourage conversations about mental health and recovery.
Health & ALS Diagnosis
In April 2025, Dane publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles.
Despite the progression of the illness, he continued to work and used his public platform to raise awareness about ALS research and patient support initiatives.
Death & Legacy
Eric Dane passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 53 following complications related to ALS.
He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. Tributes from colleagues, fans, and industry peers highlighted his warmth, dedication, and enduring impact on television.
He is remembered not only for his iconic roles and screen presence but also for his resilience, vulnerability, and advocacy during his final chapter. His work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Social Media:
- Instagram: realericdane
- Facebook: Eric Dane (official public page)
Net Worth
At the time of his death, Eric Dane’s estimated net worth ranged between $7 million and $10 million, earned through decades of television contracts, film appearances, residuals, and streaming projects.
Trivia & Facts
- His character Dr. Mark Sloan was nicknamed “McSteamy” on Grey’s Anatomy.
- He was promoted to series regular due to strong fan popularity.
- He was a competitive water polo player in high school.
- He publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis in 2025.
- He passed away on February 19, 2026, at age 53.
FAQs
How old was Eric Dane when he passed away?
He was 53 years old.
What illness did Eric Dane have? He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2025.
What is Eric Dane best remembered for?
He is best remembered for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and for his later dramatic work in Euphoria.
Did Eric Dane have children?
Yes, he had two daughters.
How much was Eric Dane’s net worth?
Eric Dane’s estimated net worth at the time of his death was around $7 million
