Grey’s Anatomy star Eric Dane has died aged 53 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The ALS advocate suffered for nearly a year from the disease, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
In an official statement, Dane’s family said: “It is with heavy hearts that we share that Eric Dane passed away on Thursday afternoon after a courageous battle with ALS.” He died on February 19, People reported, citing a family statement: “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”
It adds: “During his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same battle. He will be deeply missed and always remembered fondly. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane built a devoted fan base after being cast as Dr. Mark Sloan, aka McSteamy, to ABC’s medical drama Grey’s Anatomy.
Eric Dane’s father died of a gunshot wound when he was very young – he was 7 years old. In an interview with the Gulf Times, he revealed how he accidentally got into acting: “I was a water polo player in high school and my season was short, and I ended up playing Joe Keller in All My Sons. Dead serious. And I fell in love with it. I was like, this is the best feeling ever!”