Eric Dane, who became famous by appearing in shows Euphoria And Grey’s anatomydied at the age of 53.
His death comes less than a year after he announced that he had been diagnosed with a motor neuron disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Revealing the tragic news, Dane’s reps announced the news through a statement saying: “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.
It continued: “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same struggles.”
“He will be deeply missed and always remembered fondly. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he received. The family has requested privacy as they navigate this impossible time,” the statement concluded.
ALS is the most common form of motor neurone disease, causing people to lose the use of their limbs and the ability to speak, swallow and eventually breathe independently, which can be fatal.
There is no cure; those with motor neurone disease die an average of 27 months after diagnosis, but some patients can live for decades – like Stephen Hawking, who was diagnosed with a slowly progressive form of the same disease at age 21 and lived to be 76 years old.
Dane is known for his role as Dr. Enter Mark Sloan Grey’s anatomy and was a regular for six seasons of the show.
He recently appeared in the HBO drama, Euphoriaas Cal Jacobs, the father of Jacob Elordi’s character, Nate Jacobs.
Dane will appear in the upcoming third season of Euphoriaafter filming it in a wheelchair due to his health.
“I feel fortunate to be able to continue working and look forward to returning to the set Euphoria next week,” he said PEOPLE magazine in April after announcing his diagnosis. “I kindly ask that you grant my family and me privacy during this period.”
Euphoria creator sam levinson paid tribute to eric dane on thursday and shared Variety: “I am 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 a blessing.”
