Veteran actor Eric Dane, who starred as Dr. Mark Sloan in Grey’s Anatomy and the hit HBO drama Euphoria, died on Thursday, Feb. 19, at the age of 53. News of his death arrives 10 months after he shared his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, with the public.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” read a statement from the actor’s family, per People. “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. 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.”
Back in October, Dane revealed that he had to miss a planned appearance at the Emmy Awards because of a head injury tied to his ALS diagnosis. The actor was set to present an Emmy alongside his old Grey’s co-star Jesse Williams, but had to pull out at the last minute.
While the injury prevented Dane from attending the Emmys, it didn’t stop him from flying to Washington, D.C., a couple of days later to meet with lawmakers and advocate for more funding for ALS research. (There is still no cure for the disease, nor is it fully understood what causes ALS.)
Of embracing his role as an advocate, especially when he has the resources to access certain types of care not available to all with ALS, Dane told The Post, “I have been an open book about certain things in my life. This is something I felt compelled to share with people. I don’t really have a dog in the fight, per se, when it comes to worrying about what people are going to think about me. This is more of a: ‘How can I help? How can I be of some service?’
From Rolling Stone US
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