Nov 9, 1972 – Eric Dane is born in Northern California, loses his Navy‑veteran architect father at age seven, and later moves to Los Angeles after high school, beginning a career with guest spots on shows such as Saved by the Bell and Charmed [4][9].

2006 – Dane joins the cast of Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Mark Sloan, becoming a breakout star known as “McSteamy” and remains a series regular through 2012, with a cameo return in 2021 [1][9].

2017 – Dane’s struggle with clinical depression forces a temporary shutdown of production on The Last Ship, highlighting his mental‑health challenges amid a successful TV career [7][9].

Apr 2025 – Dane publicly announces his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis, saying he is “grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter” and begins full‑time advocacy for research and patient support [3][9].

Jun 2025 – He speaks at a Washington, D.C., health‑insurance pre‑authorization conference, urging policymakers to streamline access to ALS therapies and raising public awareness of the disease’s impact [4].

Sep 2025 – The ALS Network honors Dane with its Advocate of the Year award, and he releases a September Instagram fundraising video that helps a campaign exceed $500,000 for ALS research [1][4][5].

Oct 2025 – Dane travels with the nonprofit I AM ALS to Capitol Hill, urging renewal of the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act before its five‑year expiration [2].

Nov 2025 – Dane completes filming his role as Cal Jacobs in Euphoria season 3, wrapping production ahead of the season’s scheduled spring 2026 premiere [3].

Dec 2025 – He joins the board of Target ALS, contributing strategic guidance and further amplifying fundraising efforts for the organization [1].

Feb 19, 2026 – Eric Dane dies at age 53 from ALS, surrounded by his wife Rebecca Gayheart and daughters Billie and Georgia; his family releases a statement highlighting his advocacy and requesting privacy [5][7][9].

Feb 20, 2026 – Co‑stars Patrick Dempsey, Kim Raver, Sam Levinson and others issue heartfelt tributes, with Dempsey saying he felt “really sorry” for Dane’s children after seeing his declining speech, and Raver praising his “comedic timing” [1][6][8].

Feb 22, 2026 – Katherine Heigl posts an emotional Instagram tribute quoting Robert Frost’s “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” calling Dane “my old friend” and urging fans to support ALS charities [6][8].

Apr 12, 2026 – Euphoria season 3 premieres, featuring Dane’s final performance as Cal Jacobs, marking his last on‑screen appearance before his death [3].

2026 – Time names Dane to its Health Influencers list, citing his “wickedly intelligent” advocacy and his statement that “if my actions can move the needle forward… I’m satisfied” [1].

Late 2026 – Dane’s memoir Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments is slated for publication by The Open Field imprint of Penguin Random House, aiming to share his life’s pivotal moments and insights on living with ALS [4][5].