Actor Eric Dane Passes Away on Feb 19, 2026 Eric Dane died on Thursday, Feb 19, 2026 at age 53 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, surrounded by his wife Rebecca Gayheart and daughters Billie and Georgia [1][2][5][4]. His publicist confirmed the cause of death and requested privacy for the family [2]. The family’s statement emphasized his “passionate ALS‑awareness advocacy” and asked fans for respect during this “impossible time” [3][4]. The NHS notes ALS is a fatal motor‑neuron disease with typical survival of three to five years after diagnosis [1].

ALS Advocacy Intensified During Final Year After announcing his diagnosis in April 2025, Dane joined Target ALS’s board in December and helped a fundraising campaign exceed $500,000 [1]. He traveled to Washington, D.C., with I AM ALS in October 2025 to lobby for renewal of the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act [2]. The ALS Network honored him as Advocate of the Year in September 2025 for his public‑policy work and media appearances [4][5]. He also appeared on NBC’s Brilliant Minds and posted a September Instagram video that raised additional funds [1].

Signature Television Roles Defined a Decade‑Long Career Dane became a household name as Dr. Mark Sloan (“McSteamy”) on Grey’s Anatomy from 2006‑2012 and returned for a cameo in 2021 [2][3][6]. He later portrayed Cal Jacobs, a conflicted father, on HBO’s Euphoria beginning in 2019 and was slated to appear in its final season [2][3]. His earlier work included roles on The Wonder Years, Charmed, and as Captain Tom Chandler on The Last Ship, where production paused in 2017 due to his battle with depression [6][7]. Co‑stars such as Patrick Dempsey, Kim Raver, and creator Sam Levinson issued heartfelt tributes [1][2].

Final Euphoria Season Completed and Memoir Planned Dane finished filming Euphoria season 3 in November 2025; the season is scheduled to premiere on April 12, 2026 [3]. A memoir titled Book of Days (also referred to as Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments) is set for release in late 2026 by The Open Field, an imprint founded by Maria Shriver [4][5]. The book is described as capturing the moments that shaped his life and aims to help others find meaning [4]. Promotion for the memoir was paused following his death, but the publisher confirmed the release date remains unchanged [5].

Family and Marital Status Clarified After Years of Separation Dane married actress Rebecca Gayheart in 2004; the couple separated in 2017 but never finalized a divorce [6][7]. Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, later withdrawing the petition after seven years of separation, leaving the couple together at his passing [3]. They share two daughters, Billie Beatrice and Georgia Geraldine [6][7]. Friends and colleagues described Dane as a “joy to work with” and praised his comedic timing and intelligence [1].