Eric Dane's Cause of Death: What Led the Beloved 'Euphoria' Actor to His Final Moments

Published 02/20/2026, 8:29 AM CST

The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of a truly magnetic talent who rose from humble beginnings to global superstardom. Eric Dane first walked onto the Hollywood scene with little more than a dream and a sharp talent for capturing the camera.

Throughout his career, he balanced the demands of fame with a deep devotion to his wife and two young daughters. His journey was marked by both professional triumphs and a private strength that inspired many colleagues.

The circumstances surrounding his departure reveal a story of immense bravery in the face of a difficult medical reality.

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The cause of Eric Dane’s death

According to PEOPLE, Eric Dane passed away on Thursday afternoon at the age of fifty-three following a journey with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Known widely as ALS, this condition is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that the actor chose to confront with transparency.

“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," Eric Dane’s family stated to PEOPLE.

During his experience with the illness, he transformed his personal struggle into a platform for global awareness. He became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, hoping to make a difference for others facing the same diagnosis.

According to PEOPLE, Eric Dane’s family has requested privacy during this difficult time as they navigate the loss of a man who was the center of their world. His legacy is now inextricably linked to the fight for a cure and the support of the medical community.

Johnny Depp’s Little-Known Role in Eric Dane’s ALS Battle Comes to Light

His artistic contributions spanned decades and genres, leaving behind a rich archive of performances that fans will treasure forever.

A lasting cinematic legacy and iconic career milestones

The career of Eric Dane reached a pinnacle when he joined the cast of Grey's Anatomy as the unforgettable Dr. Mark Sloan. His portrayal of the character was so impactful that a brief guest appearance evolved into a long-term starring role.

Beyond the hospital drama, he showcased his versatility in a wide range of successful film and television projects. He starred in the action-packed series The Last Ship and is about to be seen posthumously in the drama Euphoria 3.

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His film credits include popular titles such as Marley and Me, Burlesque, and the holiday favorite Valentine’s Day. These roles demonstrated that he was capable of moving seamlessly between intense dramatic roles and lighthearted ensemble comedies. His body of work serves as a testament to a performer who was never afraid to dive deep into the soul of a character.

Sam Levinson and HBO Remember Eric Dane as 'Euphoria' Loses One of Its Own

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What is the most memorable Eric Dane performance in your view? Let us know in the comments.

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Soma Mitra

966 articles

Soma is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. With a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication, she brings production experience from documentary films like Chandua: Stories on Fabric. Covering the true crime and docu-drama beat, she turns psychological thrillers into sharp, audience-aware storytelling.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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