Eric Dane became an advocate for ALS awareness after the disease cut short his career as an actor. Raised in California, Dane moved to Los Angeles after high school to pursue acting, and landed guest roles on shows like Saved by the Bell, Married With Children and Charmed. Danes’ big break came in the mid-2000s when he was cast as Dr Mark Sloan, aka "McSteamy" on medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. He played the role from 2006-12, and reprised it in 2021. In 2019, Dane did a complete 180 from the charming McSteamy and became the troubled Cal Jacobs in provocative drama Euphoria, a role he continued in up until his death. In April 2025, Dane announced he had been diagnosed with ALS, a progressive disease that attacks nerve cells controlling muscles throughout the body. Most patients die within three to five years of a diagnosis. He spent his final months campaigning for greater research of the disease. Eric Dane died on February 19 aged 53. — Allied Media/Agencies
