Early signs of ALS as Eric Dane dies aged 53 almost one year after diagnosis

Eric Dane has died at the age of 53, after an almost year-long battle with ALS.

The actor, who was best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan, aka McSteamy, in the medical drama Grey's Anatomy, went public with his diagnosis just 10 months ago.

His family confirmed to PEOPLE that he died on Thursday (19 February), leaving behind his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia.

A heartbreaking statement from his family reads: "With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS.

“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.

"Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight.”

The message continued: "He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”

Eric Dane has died following a battle with ALS (Gilbert Flores/Getty Images)

For those unfamiliar, ALS, which stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rare degenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

It’s the most common form of motor neurone disease, which causes loss of muscle control and gets worse over time. There is currently no cure.

In April 2025, Dane announced he had been diagnosed with ALS.

Weeks later, he told Good Morning America's Diane Sawyer that the incurable disease was affecting the entire right side of his body, leaving him with 'one functioning arm' and severely weakened leg muscles.

The actor has spent the last few months attempting to raise awareness of the progressive disease.

ALS is a rare degenerative disease that causes progressive paralysis of the muscles (Getty Stock Image)

What are the symptoms and early warning signs of ALS?

As per Mayo Clinic, ALS often begins with symptoms like muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg, trouble swallowing, or slurred speech.

Eventually, it affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat, and breathe.

There’s usually no pain, and the symptoms often begin in the hands, feet, arms, or legs before spreading to other parts of the body.

Muscles get weaker as more nerve cells die, which eventually affects chewing, swallowing, speaking, and breathing.

The symptoms can vary person to person, depending on which nerve cells are affected.

Symptoms might include:

• Trouble walking or doing usual daily activities
• Tripping and falling
• Weakness in the legs, feet, or ankles
• Hand weakness or clumsiness.
• Slurred speech or trouble swallowing
• Weakness associated with muscle cramps and twitching in the arms, shoulders, and tongue.
• Untimely crying, laughing, or yawning.
• Thinking or behavioral changes