Eric Dane, an actor in hit shows Euphoria and Grey’s Anatomy, has died aged 53, less than a year after he publicly revealed he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
Dane died on Thursday afternoon, his representatives announced in a statement. He first revealed in April that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a type of motor neurone disease.
“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife [actor Rebecca Gayheart] and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” read the statement.
“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.”
Dane played Dr Mark Sloan, or “McSteamy”, in Grey’s Anatomy, initially signed for just one episode before becoming a series regular for six seasons. He most recently appeared in the HBO drama Euphoria as Cal Jacobs, the father of Jacob Elordi’s character.
Dane will appear in the upcoming third season of Euphoria, having filmed it in a wheelchair due to his health.
“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week,” he told People in April after announcing his diagnosis. “I kindly ask that you give my family and I privacy during this time.”
ALS is the most common form of motor neurone disease, which means the terms are often used interchangably. It is a terminal degenerative disorder that causes people to lose the use of their limbs and ability to speak, swallow and eventually breathe independently.
There is no cure; those with motor neurone disease die, on average, 27 months after diagnosis, but some patients can live decades – like Stephen Hawking, who was diagnosed with a slow-progressing form of the disease at the age of 21 and lived to 76.
It is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease in North America, named for the Yankees baseball player who was diagnosed with the condition in 1939.
Other famous names who were diagnosed with motor neurone disease include David Niven and Roberta Flack.
Dane is survived by his wife, actor and model Rebecca Gayheart, and their two children Billie and Georgia.
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