Eric Dane, the actor best known as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and later for his unsettling turn as Cal Jacobs on Euphoria, died on February 19, 2026. He was 53. A family statement said he spent his final days surrounded by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, their daughters Billie and Georgia, and close friends. The family asked for privacy and thanked well-wishers for their support.
A career of shifts and difficult parts
Dane’s career moved from dependable guest spots to signature television roles that brought him a wide audience and, later, more morally complicated material. As the charismatic and often rakish Mark Sloan, he became a familiar face to millions. His performance as Cal Jacobs on Euphoria showed a different side — dark, conflicted and intense — and became one of the most talked-about turns of his later career.
Off-screen life and struggles
Off screen, Dane’s life was anchored by his family. He married actress Rebecca Gayheart in 2004; the couple had two daughters, whom family members described as “the center of his world.” Over the years he was candid about personal struggles, including battles with addiction, which he said influenced his choices and the direction of his career.
Illness, advocacy and the last years
Before his death, Dane had publicly disclosed a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and used his platform to raise awareness about the disease. He worked with advocacy groups, lent his voice to fundraising and outreach efforts, and helped draw renewed attention to research and care for people living with ALS. Reports say he continued to work when he could — even filming scenes that required him to use a wheelchair — and had discussed writing a memoir to share his perspective.
Reaction and legacy
Tributes began to appear from fans and colleagues praising his work and his candor about life’s hardships. Beyond his performances, many remembered him for his warmth toward supporters and his efforts to spotlight ALS research. The family indicated that further details about memorial arrangements will be provided by their representatives in due course.
What we know: Dane is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie and Georgia. He leaves behind a body of work that spans mainstream TV hits and provocatively complex roles, and a public legacy shaped in part by his advocacy on behalf of ALS patients and research.