Following the death of Eric Dane, Sam Levinson, Ashton Kutcher, Nina Dobrev, Alyssa Milano, Kevin McKidd, James Pickens Jr., Michael Grassi, Selma Blair and Alexander Ludwig are among those in Hollywood paying tribute to the actor.
Dane, known for his role as plastic surgeon Mark Sloan, aka “McSteamy,” in Grey’s Anatomy, Cal Jacobs in Euphoria and commanding officer Tom Chandler in The Last Ship, died Thursday afternoon at age 53 following a battle with ALS. He initially revealed publicly in April 2025 that he had been diagnosed with the rare degenerative disease.
“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,” his reps shared in a 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.”
Levinson, the creator of Euphoria, said in a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, “I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing.”
The official Instagram account for Euphoria and HBO Max wrote in a joint post, “We are deeply saddened by the news of Eric Dane’s passing. He was incredibly talented and HBO was fortunate to have worked with him on three seasons of Euphoria. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”
McKidd, who played Dr. Owen Hunt on Grey’s Anatomy, wrote on his Instagram Story, “Rest in Peace Buddy.”
Pickens Jr., who also worked with Dane on Grey’s Anatomy, playing Dr. Richard Webber, wrote on Instagram, “Rest in Peace.” Sarah Drew, who played Dr. April Kepner, also shared a similar message on her Instagram Story.
ABC and 20th Television released a joint statement, which reads, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Eric Dane. His remarkable talent and unforgettable presence on Grey’s Anatomy left a lasting impact on audiences around the world, and his courage and grace during his battle with ALS inspired so many. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and colleagues, as well as the many fans whose lives were touched by his work.”
Milano, who worked alongside Dane on Charmed, shared in a tribute, “I can’t stop seeing that spark in Eric’s eye right before he’d say something that would either make you spit out your drink or rethink your entire perspective. He had a razor-sharp sense of humor. He loved the absurdity of things. He loved catching people off guard.”
“And when it came to his daughters and Rebecca, everything in him softened. He carried them with him even in rooms where they weren’t present. You could see it in the way his voice changed when he said their names. A breathtakingly beautiful family,” Milano continued. “The spark. The mischief. The tenderness he kept guarded but never totally hidden.”
Dobrev, who starred in 2022’s Redeeming Love with Dane, wrote in a tribute on her Instagram Story, “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Eric. He was warm, generous, prepared, and so passionate about what he did. He led with kindness and made everyone on our set feel seen. ALS is a cruel and unforgiving disease. May his memory inspire more research, awareness, and progress toward a cure. He will be deeply missed. Sending love and heartfelt condolensces to his family.”
Grassi, the creator of Brilliant Minds, shared in a statement, “Eric was a TV icon who lit up our screens for decades and it was the greatest honor of my career to work with him. Not only was he a tremendous talent, he was also generous, kind and brave. I’m thinking about his family and loved ones today. He will be missed.” Dane guest-starred in a second-season episode centered on ALS.
DeMane Davis, producing director and executive producer of Brilliant Minds, also shared a statement. “Watching Eric Dane do what he loved — act in his final role on Brilliant Minds — was an honor. He adored being on set, cracking jokes in-between takes. Our crew and cast loved him. It was an gift to witness his talent, determination and joy,” Davis said.
Ludwig, who starred in 2024’s Bad Boys: Ride or Die with Dane, wrote on his Instagram Story, “Ugh this hurts so much. Will miss you Eric and loved our time together. You were a joy to work with.”
Blair, who appeared with Dane in an episode of Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane in 2000, shared a video of the sitcom on Instagram and wrote, “I love you. And yours.”
Travis Van Winkle, the actor’s Last Ship co-star, wrote on his Instagram Story: “I learned so much from Eric. He was a great man. I’m sad to see him go in this way. I’m sending love to his family. Thanks for the memories my friend.”
Read more tributes to Dane below.
The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane. We know you’ll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS. pic.twitter.com/00TtwmQHAK
— ashton kutcher (@aplusk) February 20, 2026
I’m heartbroken by this devastating news about Eric Dane. What a tragedy. He was so heroic the way he handled his diagnosis. He used his voice to let the world know what it was like living with ALS.
I was honored he chose my publishing imprint to publish his memoir. He told me… pic.twitter.com/0A61G2uVcd
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) February 20, 2026
Eric Dane was a good man. We weren’t lifelong friends, but we crossed paths enough for me to know his strength and his heart. ALS is merciless. My thoughts are with his family.
Rest easy 🪽 pic.twitter.com/mMDOxxiYlE
— Robert Patrick 🇺🇸 (@robertpatrickT2) February 20, 2026