By Devyn Briones
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Eric Dane died at 53-years-old on Feb. 19 in a Los Angeles hospital, just under a year after his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Dane made his diagnosis public in June 2025, saying he first noticed symptoms about a year earlier. By this time, he only had one functioning arm.
“I will never forget those three letters,” he said in an interview with ABC News. “It’s on me the second I wake up. It’s not a dream.”
ALS is a rare, fatal type of motor neuron disease, which slowly damages and destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord over time. As of now, it is unknown what exactly causes ALS or how to cure it.
Dane first noticed weakness in his right hand and blamed it on his use of excessive texting. He met with a hand specialist and was referred to a neurologist, who then referred him to another neurologist. After nine months of countless doctor appointments and specialists, he was diagnosed with ALS in 2024.
His symptoms grew rapidly. He predicted he would soon lose functionality in his left hand as he slowly began to struggle with his speech. In September 2025, Dane was seen using a wheelchair at an airport in Washington, D.C.
Dane is most notably recognized for his roles as Mark Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy” and Cal Jacobs in “Euphoria,” but behind the screens, Dane was a loving father to two children.
Actress Rebecca Gayheart and Dane married in 2004. Six years later, the two had their first daughter, Billie, and their second, Georgia, in 2011. Gayheart filed for a divorce in February 2018, but it was never finalized. She withdrew the divorce filing in March 2025.
At just 7-years-old, Dane lost his own father to suicide. “I'm angry because, you know, my father was taken from me when I was young,” he said. “And now, you know, there's a very good chance I'm going to be taken from my girls while they're very young.”
Dane also had a girlfriend, Janell Shirtcliff, a director and photographer. Their relationship went public in June 2025 at the premiere of “Countdown.” The two walked the red carpet together, holding hands and laughing.
Patrick Dempsey, the actor who portrayed Derek Shepherd in “Grey’s Anatomy,” dedicated a post to Dane. He wrote, “RIP. The world was a better place because of you.” In the series, Dempsey and Dane’s characters were portrayed as best friends, being nicknamed “McSteamy” and “McDreamy.”
Throughout his time with ALS, Dane was committed to advocating for the disease and raising further awareness. Dane used his platform as a voice for those affected by ALS, and emphasized the importance of research, care, and community support needed for the disease. In September 2025, Dane was named the recipient of the Advocate of the Year Award.
“Eric has transformed personal challenges into powerful advocacy,” said Sheri Strahl, the president and CEO of the ALS Network. “He has turned his ALS journey into a catalyst for progress, uniting people with his voice, his heart and his determination. The ALS community is stronger, more visible and more hopeful because of him.”
Netflix also released “Famous Last Words: Eric Dane” on Feb. 20, in which Dane talks about his life and sends a powerful message to never give up, regardless of how difficult the battle may seem. At the end of the interview, he faces the camera and speaks directly to his daughters.
“Billie and Georgia, you are my heart. You are my everything,” he said. “Good night. I love you. Those are my last words.”
