Nov 9, 1972 – Eric Dane is born in Northern California; he later loses his Navy‑veteran father at age 7 and moves to Los Angeles after high school, beginning a career that lands guest spots on shows like Saved by the Bell and Charmed[6].

2006 – Dane debuts as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy, a role that makes him a household name through 2012 and earns a cameo in 2021[6].

2017 – Dane’s clinical depression forces a temporary shutdown of production on TNT’s The Last Ship[9].

2018 – After a separation in 2017, his wife Rebecca Gayheart files for divorce, but the petition is withdrawn later that year, leaving the couple together[4][9].

Apr 2025 – Dane publicly announces he has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), saying he is “grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter”[4].

Jun 2025 – He speaks at a Washington health‑insurance pre‑authorization conference, highlighting the insurance hurdles faced by ALS patients[6].

Sep 2025 – The ALS Network honors Dane as Advocate of the Year for his relentless public‑policy push and fundraising efforts[6].

Sep 2025 – Dane launches a three‑year, $1 billion federal research campaign and posts an Instagram fundraising video to spur U.S. funding for ALS studies[1][2].

Oct 2025 – He travels to Washington with I AM ALS to lobby for renewal of the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act, warning the bill’s five‑year expiration threatens research progress[3].

Nov 2025 – Dane appears on NBC’s Brilliant Minds, playing a firefighter with ALS; he describes the role as “challenging and cathartic” while urging viewers to raise awareness[1].

Dec 2025 – He joins the board of Target ALS, and his involvement helps the nonprofit surpass its $500,000 fundraising target[1].

Nov 2025 – Experts cite ALS’s grim prognosis, with Professor Kevin Talbot noting 10 % die within a year, 50 % within 2½ years, and 90 % within five years[1].

Nov 2025 – Co‑star Patrick Dempsey confirms Dane becomes bedridden, losing use of his right arm two months after diagnosis and later unable to swallow or speak[1].

Nov 2025 – Production wraps on Euphoria season 3, where Dane reprises Cal Jacobs; the season is slated to premiere on April 12, 2026[4].

Jan 2026 – Time names Dane to its 2026 Health Influencers list; he tells Time “if my actions can move the needle forward… I’m satisfied”[2].

Feb 19, 2026 – Dane dies at age 53, surrounded by wife Rebecca Gayheart and daughters Billie and Georgia; his death follows less than a year after his ALS announcement[8].

Feb 20, 2026 – Famous Last Words releases Dane’s posthumous interview, in which he says, “I think when the lights go out, it’s over,” offering a final message to his daughters[5].

Apr 12, 2026 – Euphoria season 3 premieres, featuring Dane’s final performance as Cal Jacobs[4].

Late 2026 – Dane’s memoir Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments is scheduled for publication by The Open Field, aiming to share his life story and raise ALS awareness[6][7].

2026 (ongoing) – The Famous Last Words series plans additional episodes, continuing its format of recording guests before death and releasing the footage posthumously[5].