Celebrities Mourn Eric Dane, Honor His ‘Heroic’ Battle With ALS
TOI GLOBAL | Feb 20, 2026, 18:37 IST
Euphoria star Eric Dane diagnosed with ALS
Eric Dane, beloved for his roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at 53 after battling ALS. Celebrities including Alyssa Milano, Sam Levinson and Maria Shriver honored his warmth, talent and advocacy efforts. In his final year, Dane used his platform to raise awareness and funding for ALS research, leaving behind a legacy defined by courage and compassion.
Eric Dane, beloved for his roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died at 53 after battling ALS. Celebrities including Alyssa Milano, Sam Levinson and Maria Shriver honored his warmth, talent and advocacy efforts. In his final year, Dane used his platform to raise awareness and funding for ALS research, leaving behind a legacy defined by courage and compassion.
Hollywood is grieving the loss of actor Eric Dane, who died Thursday at age 53 following a public battle with ALS. The television star, best known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, passed away less than a year after revealing his diagnosis with the neurodegenerative disease.Tributes quickly poured in from co-stars, producers and advocacy groups, many remembering not only his on-screen charisma but also his courage in confronting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often called Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Dane became a household name portraying Dr. Mark Sloan — affectionately nicknamed “McSteamy” — on Grey’s Anatomy. His confident, mischievous energy made him a fan favorite and one of the medical drama’s most enduring characters. More recently, he earned acclaim for playing the troubled patriarch Cal Jacobs on HBO’s Euphoria, showcasing a darker, more complex side of his acting range.
Off screen, colleagues described a man as warm and generous as the characters he portrayed were magnetic.
Alyssa Milano, who starred alongside Dane on Charmed, shared an emotional tribute, recalling his razor-sharp humor and deep devotion to his daughters. She remembered the “spark in his eye” before delivering a perfectly timed joke.
Euphoria creator Sam Levinson called working with Dane “an honor,” adding that being his friend was “a gift.” HBO also released a statement praising his talent and presence across three seasons of the series.
Former Grey’s Anatomy showrunner Krista Vernoff reflected on Dane’s return to the set in 2021 for a dream-sequence cameo. She said she would remember him most for his unforgettable hugs.
Meanwhile, Maria Shriver, whose Open Field imprint was preparing to publish Dane’s forthcoming memoir Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, described him as “heroic” in how he handled his illness. She said he wanted to leave behind a story his family could cherish.
In 2025, Dane publicly shifted his focus toward ALS advocacy as his symptoms progressed. He portrayed a firefighter living with ALS on Brilliant Minds, drawing directly from his own experience. He also championed legislation aimed at expanding research funding and improving early access to treatments.
Dane worked closely with I Am ALS to raise awareness and funds for research. The nonprofit honored him as “part of our family,” praising his humility, humor and determination to bring visibility to a disease that currently has no cure.
ALS progressively damages nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles and typically leads to death within two to five years of diagnosis.
Actress Nina Dobrev, who appeared with Dane in the film Redeeming Love, remembered him as passionate and kind, someone who made every cast and crew member feel seen.
As tributes continue, Dane’s legacy stands at the intersection of art and advocacy — a performer whose humor, heart and resilience resonated far beyond the screen.
Hollywood is grieving the loss of actor Eric Dane, who died Thursday at age 53 following a public battle with ALS. The television star, best known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, passed away less than a year after revealing his diagnosis with the neurodegenerative disease.Tributes quickly poured in from co-stars, producers and advocacy groups, many remembering not only his on-screen charisma but also his courage in confronting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often called Lou Gehrig’s disease.
A Career Defined by Charisma
Dane became a household name portraying Dr. Mark Sloan — affectionately nicknamed “McSteamy” — on Grey’s Anatomy. His confident, mischievous energy made him a fan favorite and one of the medical drama’s most enduring characters. More recently, he earned acclaim for playing the troubled patriarch Cal Jacobs on HBO’s Euphoria, showcasing a darker, more complex side of his acting range.
Off screen, colleagues described a man as warm and generous as the characters he portrayed were magnetic.
Alyssa Milano, who starred alongside Dane on Charmed, shared an emotional tribute, recalling his razor-sharp humor and deep devotion to his daughters. She remembered the “spark in his eye” before delivering a perfectly timed joke.
Euphoria creator Sam Levinson called working with Dane “an honor,” adding that being his friend was “a gift.” HBO also released a statement praising his talent and presence across three seasons of the series.
Former Grey’s Anatomy showrunner Krista Vernoff reflected on Dane’s return to the set in 2021 for a dream-sequence cameo. She said she would remember him most for his unforgettable hugs.
Meanwhile, Maria Shriver, whose Open Field imprint was preparing to publish Dane’s forthcoming memoir Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, described him as “heroic” in how he handled his illness. She said he wanted to leave behind a story his family could cherish.
Turning Pain Into Advocacy
In 2025, Dane publicly shifted his focus toward ALS advocacy as his symptoms progressed. He portrayed a firefighter living with ALS on Brilliant Minds, drawing directly from his own experience. He also championed legislation aimed at expanding research funding and improving early access to treatments.
Dane worked closely with I Am ALS to raise awareness and funds for research. The nonprofit honored him as “part of our family,” praising his humility, humor and determination to bring visibility to a disease that currently has no cure.
ALS progressively damages nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles and typically leads to death within two to five years of diagnosis.
A Lasting Legacy
Actress Nina Dobrev, who appeared with Dane in the film Redeeming Love, remembered him as passionate and kind, someone who made every cast and crew member feel seen.
As tributes continue, Dane’s legacy stands at the intersection of art and advocacy — a performer whose humor, heart and resilience resonated far beyond the screen.