News of Eric Dane’s death on Thursday was met with grief from celebrities, who expressed their admiration for the sleazy TV star and his efforts to advocate for his battle with ALS.
Dane is best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan, or “McSteamy,” on “Grey’s Anatomy” and most recently portrayed dark and secretive father Cal Jacobs on HBO’s “Euphoria.” He died at the age of 53, less than a year after publicly announcing that he had a neurodegenerative disease.
Alyssa Milano, who was Dane’s love interest on “Charmed,” shared a heartfelt message on Instagram praising her shy, yet gentle spirit and deep love for her daughters.
“I can’t stop seeing that spark in Eric’s eye right before he says something that will make you throw your drink away or rethink your whole point of view,” Milano said. He had a wry sense of humor. He loved absurd things.
HBO Max shared a statement on Instagram, praising Dane’s talent and saying the network was “fortunate to work with him on three seasons of Euphoria.” The show’s executive producer, Sam Levinson, shared a statement with Variety saying he was heartbroken over the loss of his dear friend.
“Working with him was a privilege,” Levinson said. Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be a blessing.”
Former “Grey’s Anatomy” showrunner Krista Vernoff shared an Instagram post reminiscing about when Dane returned to the set in 2021 to film a dream sequence featuring her character, who died in Season 9. Although it was shot during the pandemic, she “broke the rules” and gave big kisses.
“The thing I will miss most about Eric Dane is his hugs,” Vernoff wrote. “Best hugs. Oh my friend. I wish you peace.”
Dane was preparing to publish her memoir, “Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments,” later this year with Maria Shriver’s imprint, Open Field.
Shriver said Dane was a hero in the way he handled his disease and used his platform to raise awareness about ALS.
“He told me that he wants his family to know how much he loves them, and he wants to leave them a story they can be proud of,” he said in his statement on X. “My love goes out to his family, and to all who are fighting this cruel disease, and to all who care for someone who is fighting it.”
In 2025, Dane drew on his personal experience and situation to portray a firefighter living with ALS in “Brilliant Minds” and advocated for legislation that provides funding for ALS research and gives patients early access to treatment.
He has worked closely with the non-profit organization I Am ALS to raise funds for research into new treatments for this disease, which currently has no cure.
“Eric brought humility, humor, and visibility to ALS and reminded the world that progress is possible when we refuse to remain silent,” the organization said in a statement. “Eric was more than a supporter of our cause – he was part of our family.”
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive disease that damages the nerve cells that control voluntary muscles, usually resulting in death two to five years after diagnosis.
Nina Dobrev, Dane’s co-star in the romantic western film “Redeeming Love,” wrote on her Instagram story that she was saddened by his death.
“He was warm, generous, prepared, and passionate about what he did,” she said. “He led with grace and made everyone on our set feel included.”
Times staff writer Alexandra Del Rosario contributed to this report
