Eric Dane, 'Grey's Anatomy' star, dies at 53 after ALS diagnosis

Eric Dane dies after ALS diagnosis

Actor Eric Dane has died at age 53. His family confirmed his death in a statement, saying he passed away on Thursday afternoon following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Dane was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease last year. He spent recent months raising awareness for ALS, which is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

A career spanning decades

Dane was best known for two major television roles. He played Dr. Mark "McSteamy" Sloan on ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" for six seasons.

More recently, he starred as Cal Jacobs, the complex father of Nate Jacobs, on HBO's hit teen drama "Euphoria." His career spanned over three decades with roles in numerous other series and films.

• Jason Dean on "Charmed"
• Captain Tom Chandler on "The Last Ship"
• Supporting roles in films like "Marley & Me" and "Valentine's Day"

Family confirms his passing

"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," his family's statement read. The statement said he was surrounded by friends and his immediate family in his final days.

He is survived by his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. The family called the girls "the center of his world."

"He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always," the statement continued. "Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received."

Public battle with a devastating disease

ALS is a progressive neurological disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It leads to a loss of muscle control, eventually impacting a person's ability to speak, eat, move, and breathe.

Dane publicly revealed his diagnosis in an emotional interview on "Good Morning America" last summer. He said the news initially made him "angry," connecting it to the loss of his own father at a young age.

"My father was taken from me when I was young," Dane told ABC. "And now, you know, there’s a very good chance I’m going to be taken from my girls while they’re very young." His father died by suicide when Dane was seven years old.

From San Francisco to stardom

Eric Dane was born in San Francisco in 1972. He made his television debut in 1993 with a guest spot on "The Wonder Years."

His breakthrough role came over a decade later when he joined the cast of "Grey's Anatomy" in 2006. The character of Dr. Mark Sloan became a fan favorite, cementing Dane's place in popular culture for years to come.