American actor Eric Dane has died, his family announced in a press release. The actor star of the series “Grey’s Anatomy” was only 53 years old. He had been battling a serious illness for several years.
Sad news for the world of the small screen. A few days after the death of James Van Der Beek (Dawson) died at the age of 48 from cancer, another TV series star has left us: Eric Dane, interpreter of Doctor Mark Sloan in the series Grey’s Anatomybroadcast in France on TF1. He was battling illness and could no longer walk, having to use a wheelchair.
Eric Dane dies: what did he die of?
In a press release sent to the American site PeopleEric Dane’s family said: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Eric Dane this Thursday afternoon, after a courageous fight against ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis called Charcot disease, editor’s note). He spent his final days surrounded by his close friends, his devoted wife and his two beautiful daughters, Billie (15) and Georgia (13), who were the center of his world.”
The statement added: “Throughout his battle with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for those fighting the same battle. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love.”
Eric Dane was married since 2004 to actress Rebecca Gayheart (Urban Legend, Wasteland…) and the couple separated in 2018. His wife filed for divorce then finally canceled her legal action after the actor’s illness was diagnosed. In the podcast Broad Ideas she justified this laudable choice by saying she wanted to show her daughters the importance of being there for her family.even in the most difficult times.“
Death of Eric Dane: the symbolic date of his death
As noted by the site PeopleEric Dane died on February 19, 2026. A date which corresponds exactly to the broadcast of the first episode in which he played the role of Doctor Mark Sloan – also sometimes nicknamed Doctor Glamor – in the series Grey’s Anatomy It’s already 20 years ago! Indeed, on February 19, 2006 he appeared on screen as guest star in the episode titled Yesterdayfrom season 2.
It was not until season 3 that he became a recurring character in the series imagined and produced by Shonda Rhimes, in which his character was first presented as the former best friend of Derek Shepherd played by Patrick Dempsey. Eric Dane had left Grey’s Anatomy during season 9 and made an appearance in an episode of season 17. In recent years, the actor who lived in Los Angeles had also appeared in the series Euphoria. A career which has allowed him to accumulate a fortune estimated at 7 million dollars.
