APPLETON, Wis. — Eric Dane, the beloved actor best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy, passed away on Thursday, February 19, at the age of 53 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). His death, confirmed by his family in a statement to Us Weekly, marks a heartbreaking end to a life that touched millions through his on-screen charisma and, in his final years, his advocacy for ALS research.
The news came nearly a week after Dane's ALS diagnosis became public, a revelation that had already drawn widespread sympathy and support from fans and the entertainment community. Dane, who starred in shows like Charmed and films such as X-Men: The Last Stand, had been open about his health struggles since the diagnosis, using his platform to raise awareness about the neurodegenerative disease that progressively weakens muscles and affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
In the wake of his passing, attention has turned to Rebecca Gayheart, Dane's estranged wife and mother of their two daughters, who penned a poignant personal essay for The Cut in December 2025. The essay, titled reflections on anticipatory grief, offers an intimate look into the family's preparations for Dane's illness and the emotional toll it took on them all. Gayheart, 54, described her efforts to equip their daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, with the resilience needed to face their father's impending loss.
“I try to stay in the moment, even though there’s no escaping thinking about the future. I worry so much about my girls losing their father — they’re going through this while experiencing all the pressures that are put on young girls, and I want to do everything in my power to give them the tools they’ll need,” Gayheart wrote. She noted that the experience would inevitably change her daughters, adding, “They will be different because of this. I know that. One thing I’ve realized, and this is something I’m working on, is that I spend so much time navigating everyone else’s emotions around this, I haven’t really sat down and investigated how I feel about things.”
Gayheart and Dane, married since 2004, had faced their share of personal challenges, including a separation that led Gayheart to file for divorce in February 2018. However, in a turn that underscored their commitment to family amid crisis, she dismissed the divorce proceedings in March 2025, shortly after Dane's diagnosis. This decision allowed the family to navigate the ALS journey together, prioritizing unity over legal dissolution.
Following the diagnosis, the couple chose transparency with their children, informing Billie and Georgia just days after learning of Dane's condition. “We wanted to have complete transparency and honesty with them” as they confronted the unfamiliar territory of terminal illness, Gayheart explained in her essay. To guide this process, she consulted professionals, including a family therapist they had worked with since their separation and specialists focused on teenage girls.
“I asked a therapist, ‘What is the best way to do this?’” Gayheart recounted. The therapist advised, “The kids will let you know; they’ll stop asking questions when they can’t handle it anymore, when it’s too much information.” This approach, tailored to the daughters' formative years of individuation amid grief, emphasized sensitivity to their emotional limits.
Gayheart also facilitated direct access for her daughters to Dane's doctor, ensuring their questions were answered by experts. “We wanted to give [our children] the opportunity to speak with [Dane’s] doctor, because they had a lot of questions that at that point I couldn’t answer, and I don’t even know if Eric could answer them,” she wrote. “They’ve talked to her, and they know that she’s available at all times.” This step highlighted the family's proactive stance in fostering open communication during a time of profound uncertainty.
Dane's ALS battle, which began drawing public notice in early 2025, transformed him into an advocate. According to the family's statement, “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight.” His efforts included speaking engagements and social media posts that amplified the need for funding and support for ALS patients, echoing the work of organizations like the ALS Association.
In his final days, Dane was surrounded by loved ones, as noted in the family's announcement. “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,” the statement continued. “The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.” This request for space reflects the intimate nature of their loss, even as public tributes poured in from Hollywood peers.
Gayheart's essay also delved into the broader lessons drawn from Dane's illness, urging readers to embrace the present. “I say this a lot: This is not the dress rehearsal. Whatever you’re doing today, that is your life,” she reflected. “Eric getting the ALS diagnosis has brought that to the forefront of my mind. So live for today. Wear the shoes, wear the nice bag, don’t keep it in the dust bag. Put the nice sheets on your bed, like, what are we waiting for?”
This philosophy, born from anticipatory grief, resonated deeply with Gayheart as she balanced her own emotions with those of her family. She admitted to the challenge of processing her feelings amid the chaos, a common thread in narratives of terminal illness where caregivers often prioritize others.
The couple's history provides additional context to their story. Dane rose to fame in the mid-2000s with his Grey's Anatomy role, earning a dedicated fanbase for his portrayal of the brooding yet charming plastic surgeon. Gayheart, a former actress and model known for roles in Scream 2 and Urban Legend, stepped back from the spotlight after a 2001 car accident that resulted in a misdemeanor charge for vehicular manslaughter, though no charges were ultimately filed against her.
Their marriage, spanning over two decades, weathered public scrutiny, including rumors of Dane's past struggles with addiction, which he addressed in interviews. Despite these hurdles, their bond endured, particularly in the face of Dane's health crisis. The dismissal of divorce papers in 2025 was seen by close sources as a testament to their co-parenting dedication, allowing them to present a united front for Billie and Georgia.
As the entertainment world mourns Dane, his legacy extends beyond the screen. Photos chronicling his career, from early modeling gigs to his ALS advocacy, have circulated widely, reminding fans of his versatility and humanity. Organizations supporting ALS research have reported spikes in donations following his death, attributing the surge to his influence.
Looking ahead, Gayheart and her daughters face the daunting task of rebuilding without Dane. The essay's focus on tools for grief suggests a path forward centered on therapy and open dialogue. While the family seeks privacy, their story has already sparked conversations about anticipatory grief, ALS awareness, and the fragility of life, encouraging others to cherish every moment.
In Appleton and beyond, Dane's passing serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictability of health challenges, even for those in the public eye. As tributes continue to flood social media, the emphasis remains on honoring his contributions to acting and advocacy, while respecting the family's need for time to heal.