Veteran American actor Eric Dane, widely known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on the hit medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, has died at the age of 53, US media outlets reported.
Dane’s family confirmed his passing in a statement carried by CBS and other international news organisations, revealing that the actor died following complications related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease he publicly disclosed last year.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane has passed away following a courageous battle with ALS,” the family said. “He fought with strength, dignity and grace, and he will be deeply missed by his loved ones, colleagues and fans around the world.”
Born in San Francisco, Dane began his acting career in the early 1990s, making his television debut in a episode of the teen sitcom Saved by the Bell. He went on to appear in several television and film projects before landing his breakthrough role in Grey’s Anatomy.
On the long-running series, Dane portrayed the charismatic plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Sloan, a fan-favourite character whose charm and emotional depth earned him widespread acclaim. He appeared in 139 episodes of the series before exiting the show in 2021.
Beyond Grey’s Anatomy, Dane also featured in the acclaimed HBO drama Euphoria, further cementing his reputation as a versatile actor capable of handling complex and emotionally demanding roles.
Following his ALS diagnosis last year, Dane had spoken openly about the challenges of living with the condition, drawing praise for raising awareness about the disease. Tributes have continued to pour in from fans and colleagues across the entertainment industry, celebrating his talent, resilience and lasting impact on television.
