Eric Dane, the actor best known for his roles on Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, has died less than a year after revealing he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was 53.
Dane starred as family patriarch Cal Jacobs on hit HBO teen drama show Euphoria. Before that, he was perhaps best known as Dr Mark Sloan, or ‘Dr McSteamy’, on medical drama Grey’s Anatomy.
The California-born actor was diagnosed last year with ALS and spent the last few months raising awareness for the most common form of motor neurone disease (MND).
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” reads a statement from his family.
He was married to fellow actress and model Rebecca Gayheart, with whom he had two children.
The written statement said he spent his final days surrounded by friends and his devoted wife, and his two daughters, Billie and Georgia, “who were the center of his world”.
“He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received,” it said.
Dane also played Jason Dean in fantasy drama series Charmed, and Captain Tom Chandler in action drama show The Last Ship, while appearing in films such as Marley & Me, Valentine’s Day and Burlesque.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rare degenerative disease that causes progressive paralysis of the muscles.
It affects the nerve cells in the brain and spine that control muscle movement, causing patients to slowly lose their ability to speak, eat, walk and breathe independently.
Last summer, Dane told ABC network’s Good Morning America that his diagnosis made him “angry”.
“Because, you know, my father was taken from me when I was young,” he told the programme.
“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.
The actor was born in San Francisco in 1972 and made his television debut in the Wonder Years in 1993.
Dane’s Grey’s Anatomy co-stars are leading tributes to the late actor.
Kim Raver, who played his on-screen wife, said: “During filming he’d get this twinkle in his eye and with a mischievous look, he would deliver with perfect comedic timing, a line of dialogue that would floor you.”
Kevin McKidd, who plays trauma surgeon Owen Hunt in the series, posted “rest in peace buddy” on Instagram.
Euphoria creator Sam Levinson told Variety “I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend.”
“Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift,” he said.
