The entertainment world is in mourning following the death of Eric Dane at age 52 after a courageous but brief battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The actor, best known for his roles as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and Tom Chandler on The Last Ship, passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles home on the morning of February 19, 2026, surrounded by his wife Rebecca Gayheart and their two daughters Billie Beatrice and Georgia Dane. The family released a joint statement later that afternoon, confirming the diagnosis had come less than one year earlier, in late March 2025.

In the poignant message shared via Rebecca Gayheart’s verified Instagram account and distributed to major outlets, the family wrote: “Today we lost the love of our lives, our rock, our hero. Eric fought ALS with the same strength, grace, and humor he brought to every role and every moment with us. Less than eleven months after diagnosis, the disease took him far too soon—but it never took his spirit. He taught us how to live with courage, even when the body fails. He showed our girls what it means to love fiercely and laugh through pain. To the world he gave unforgettable characters; to us he gave everything. Please keep his memory alive by being kind, by holding your loved ones close, and by never giving up hope. Thank you for the outpouring of love. It has carried us through the darkest days. With broken but grateful hearts – Rebecca, Billie & Georgia.”

The statement was accompanied by a single black-and-white photograph of Dane smiling on set, arms around his co-stars, a reminder of the vitality he once exuded. Within minutes the post garnered millions of views and hundreds of thousands of comments from fans, fellow actors, and medical advocates. Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes led the tributes: “Eric was the heartbeat of our show in those early seasons. His warmth, his humor, his generosity—they live on in every episode. My heart is shattered for Rebecca, Billie, Georgia, and everyone who loved him.” Former co-stars Chandra Wilson, Justin Chambers, and Sara Ramirez also posted heartfelt messages, many sharing behind-the-scenes memories of Dane’s kindness and infectious laugh.

Dane first revealed his ALS diagnosis in a joint Instagram video with Gayheart in late March 2025. In the clip, he appeared thinner and spoke more slowly but maintained his signature dry humor: “I’ve got this thing called ALS. It’s a tough one, but I’m still here, still fighting, still loving my girls more than anything.” He emphasized that he intended to keep working as long as possible and asked for privacy while thanking fans for support. At the time, many assumed he would have years ahead—ALS progression varies widely—but in Dane’s case the disease advanced aggressively, affecting speech, swallowing, and mobility within months.

Medical experts note that while average survival after ALS diagnosis is two to five years, rapid deterioration can occur in 10–20% of cases, particularly when bulbar-onset symptoms (affecting speech and swallowing) appear early. Dane’s public updates grew sparse after summer 2025; friends later revealed he had become mostly non-verbal and relied on eye-gaze technology to communicate. Despite physical decline, he remained mentally sharp and engaged with family, reportedly watching old Grey’s episodes with his daughters and laughing at his younger self.

The speed of his passing stunned even close friends. One longtime colleague told Variety: “We all knew it was serious, but nobody expected it this fast. Eric kept saying ‘I’m not done yet’ right up until the last weeks. He was determined to make every moment count.” Gayheart, who stepped back from public life to care for him full-time, was praised by those close to the family for her unwavering devotion. The couple, married since 2004, had navigated earlier challenges including Dane’s well-documented substance issues in the late 2000s, emerging stronger and more united.

News of Dane’s death spread rapidly across social media, with #EricDane and #RestInPeaceEric trending worldwide within hours. Fans shared favorite scenes—his emotional McSteamy moments on Grey’s, his commanding presence on The Last Ship, his comedic turn in Marley & Me—and reflected on how his characters often embodied resilience and loyalty, qualities he displayed in real life. The ALS Association reported a surge in donations within the first day, with many citing Dane’s courage as inspiration. The organization issued a statement: “Eric Dane’s openness about ALS helped raise awareness and reduce stigma. His fight will continue to fuel research and support for families everywhere.”

Tributes poured in from across Hollywood. Kevin Costner, who worked with Dane on The Last Ship, wrote: “He was a man of great heart and even greater humor. The world is dimmer without him.” Ellen Pompeo posted a simple black square with the caption “Forever McSteamy.” Younger stars influenced by his work—many of whom grew up watching Grey’s—shared how his portrayal of vulnerability within strength shaped their view of masculinity.

For Rebecca Gayheart and their daughters, the road ahead will be long. The family has asked for privacy during this time and requested that donations be made to the ALS Association or the Eric Dane Family Fund, a newly established initiative to support families facing ALS. They also asked fans to honor Dane by “living boldly, loving fully, and being kind—especially on the hard days.”

Eric Dane’s final chapter was not the long, gradual fade many ALS patients experience, but a swift, brutal exit that left loved ones reeling. Yet in less than a year he managed to turn personal suffering into a legacy of awareness, courage, and love. The image of him smiling through pain, surrounded by family, will endure far longer than the disease that took him. As his wife and daughters said: he taught them—and all of us—how to live with courage, even when the body fails.