Before he became McSteamy, Eric Dane was just a kid from San Francisco chasing a dream, unaware of the highs, heartbreaks, and final chapter that would redefine how the world saw him. Scroll through 30+ photos as we revisit the moments that shaped the man behind the legend.
Eric Dane. | Source: Getty Images
San Francisco Beginnings
Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane’s life was marked by early tragedy, a loss that would quietly shape how he loved, worked, and later fought for his own family. His father died from a gunshot wound when he was seven years old, according to reports from People.
Eric Dane is seen in Los Angeles, California on August 31, 2001. | Source: Getty Images
The outlet also reported that during an interview with another publication in 2014, Dane talked about his father, saying, “He was a Navy man and ended up becoming an architect and interior designer. He was a troubled soul.” That loss, he later admitted, felt even more “devastating” once he became a father himself.
Eric Dane at the Private Residence in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
The Accidental Actor and A Dream
Dane didn’t plan to act. He was a high school water polo player who auditioned for “All My Sons” on a whim. “I was a water polo player in high school and my season was short, and I ended up getting roped into playing Joe Keller in All My Sons. Dead serious. And I fell in love with it. I was, like, this is the greatest feeling ever!”
Alyssa Milano and Eric Dane during World Premiere of “Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star” at Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, California on September 3, 2003. | Source: Getty Images
And just like that, a career was born, one that would skyrocket faster than he ever imagined, and test him in ways no script could prepare him for. After graduation, Dane moved to Los Angeles with “40 bucks in my pocket,” he told People.
Eric Dane is seen on IWC spot in Portofino, Italy on May 8, 2010. | Source: Getty Images
“I ended up partying for the next eight years. I got into a lot of trouble.” Still, he hustled, landing guest roles on shows like “Saved by the Bell,” “The Wonder Years,” “Roseanne,” and “Married… with Children.” He later landed a recurring role on “Gideon’s Crossing” before appearing in two seasons of “Charmed.” His feature film debut came with 2000’s “The Basket.”
Eric Dane arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of “Marley & Me” in California on December 11, 2008. | Source: Getty Images
The Break That Changed Everything
When Dane joined “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2006 as Dr. Mark Sloan, aka McSteamy, fans lost their minds, and overnight, Dane wasn’t just an actor anymore. He was an image, a fantasy, a headline.
Eric Dane plays McSteamy on Season 3, Episode 10 of “Grey’s Anatomy.” | Source: Getty Images
The role was initially small, but the fan reaction was explosive. His character’s sensual storylines and undeniable charisma turned Dane into an overnight sex symbol.
Eric Dane is in a surgeon’s cloth on the 21st episode of Season 3 on “Grey’s Anatomy.” | Source: Getty Images
In an interview reported by People, the actor said, “It just kind of made sense,” about embracing that image. “I felt like I had an artistic obligation to not shy away from that part of the character.” But he also admitted, “I love that character; I just didn’t want to play that guy for the rest of my life.” In 2012, Mark Sloan was killed off.
Eric Dane, aka, McSteamy, is in his doctor’s coat leans on a chair on the 13th episode of Season 4 of “Grey’s Anatomy.” | Source: Getty Images
McSteamy is one of the doctors that fight for survival in Season 8, Episode 24 of “Grey’s Anatomy.” | Source: Getty Images
A Sudden Exit
In an episode of Dax Shepard’s podcast, “Armchair Expert,” reported by People, Dane clarified, “I didn’t leave so much as I think I was let go.” He explained he had become “very expensive” for the network, and he was also “struggling” with addiction at the time.
“I wasn’t the same guy they had hired, so I had understood when I was let go, and [show creator] Shonda [Rhimes] was really great,” he said.
Eric Dane is seen on the set of Live With Regis and Kelly in Miami Beach, Florida on May 7, 2009. | Source: Getty Images
Lilly Singh and Eric Dane speak onstage during The 2019 ESPYs at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California on July 10, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
Eric Dane is seen in Los Angeles, California on October 8, 2021. | Source: Getty Images
Marriage and Fatherhood
Dane married actress Rebecca Gayheart in 2004. They welcomed daughters Billie Dane in 2010 and Georgia Dane in 2011. “I never had a family, and now I do,” Dane told People. “I know I’m a very lucky guy.”
Rebecca Gayheart and Eric Dane during Maxim and Sobe Host “Tale Slide” in Celebration of the 2004 X-Games – Inside at Jim Hensen Studios in Hollywood, California.| Source: Getty Images
Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart at the Jim Henson Studios – Chaplin Stage in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Rebecca Gayheart and Eric Dane during Mercedes-Benz Spring 2005 Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City, California. | Source: Getty Images
Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart during Rolling Stone Magazine Celebrates their 2006 Annual Hot List in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Rebecca Gayheart and Eric Dane attend The 6th Annual GM TEN Event – Arrivals at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles on February 20, 2007. | Source: Getty Images
However, Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018. “After 14 years together, we have decided that ending our marriage is the best decision for our family,” Dane said in a statement to People.
Rebecca Gayheart and actor Eric Dane arrive at the “Valentine’s Day” Los Angeles Premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California on February 8, 2010. | Source: Getty Images
Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart take a pregnancy photo with the name of their second child written across Gayhearts stomach. | Source: Instagram/rebeccagayheartdane
“We will continue our friendship and work as a team to co-parent our two beautiful girls as they are the most important thing in the world to us. We kindly ask that you respect our privacy during this time as we navigate the next phase of our lives.”
Eric Dane and Rebbeca Gayheart attend the SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK event at Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, California on December 7, 2012. | Source: Getty Images
Eric Dane wears a face cap while Rebecca Gayheart wears Mickey ears. | Source: Instagram/rebeccagayheartdane
Even after their divorce, both remained committed co-parents. “We are best of friends. We are really close. We are great coparents,” Gayheart told E! News. “We really figured out the formula to staying a family and I think our kids are benefiting greatly from it and we are as well.”
Rebecca Gayheart, Billie Beatrice Dane, and Eric Dane at the Kiehl’s Since 1851 store opening in San Francisco, California June 18, 2011. | Source: Getty Images
Billie Beatrice and Georgia with their parents Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart, attend the Disney Live! Mickey’s Music festival at Madison Square Garden in New York City on March 23, 2013. | Source: Getty Images
She added, “I think it’s important to not look at a relationship that ends as a failure. It’s just a season. It wasn’t a failure. It was a huge success. We were married for, I mean, we are still married, but together for 15 years and we had two beautiful kids so I think that’s a successful relationship, and that’s how we look at it [sic].”
Eric Dane hoists his daughter Georgia across his shoulders as they attend Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Present Built To Amaze! in New York City on March 21, 2013. | Source: Getty Images
Rebecca Gayheart, Billie and Eric Dane attend the 13th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball at a private Mandeville Canyon Estate in Los Angeles, California on June 7, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
Scandal, Survival, and Reinventing Himself
In 2009, an intimate video of Dane, Gayheart, and another woman was leaked without their knowledge. In 2014, Dane reflected, “We’ve all made mistakes. My one regret is that I got the person I love most wrapped up in all that: Rebecca.”
Eric Dane is seen in Los Angeles, California on December 6, 2014. | Source: Getty Images
Eric Dane attends the Turner Upfront 2015 at Madison Square Garden in New York City on May 13. | Source: Getty Images
From starring in “The Last Ship” to playing the deeply complex Cal Jacobs on “Euphoria,” the actor proved he was more than McSteamy. He wanted darker roles, complicated men, stories that stretched him. And fans followed.
Eric Dane attends the Build Series to discuss his show “The Last Ship” In New York City on August 1, 2017. | Source: Getty Images
Eric Dane attends the HBO Max FYC event for “Euphoria” at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, California on April 20, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Just when it seemed he had found a new creative rhythm, life delivered a blow no one saw coming. In 2025, Dane revealed to People that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). “I have been diagnosed with ALS,” he shared. “I am grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.”
Eric Dane speaks about his ALS diagnosis during a news conference to discuss health insurance at the Department of Health and Human Services Headquarters in Washington, DC, on June 23, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Eric Dane at the St. Regis in Washington, DC on September 30, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
“I feel fortunate that I am able to continue working and am looking forward to returning to set of Euphoria next week,” he added. Behind the scenes, the reality was devastating. Gayheart later wrote in The Cut, “I was in my closet the day I heard those three letters: ALS […] When he told me that day, he just started weeping, as did I.”
A throwback photo of Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart. | Source: Instagram/rebeccagayheartdane
Love in His Final Chapter
After Dane went public with his diagnosis, the actor was back in the headlines for another reason, his relationship status, after he was spotted on a date with filmmaker and photographer Janell Shirtcliff at the Chateau Marmont on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Shirtcliff also owns a ranch.
Eric Dane is seen at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, California on June 17, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Eric Dane and Janell Shirtcliff attend the “Countdown” Premiere and After-Party in Los Angeles, California on June 18, 2025. | Source: Getty Images
Eric Dane, Janell Shirtcliff at Prime Video’s “Countdown” Los Angeles premiere held at the Harmony Gold Theater in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Janell Shirtcliff. | Source: Instagram/janellshirtcliff
Dane has been in an on-and-off relationship with Shirtcliff for more than three years. A source told Entertainment Now, “The two have been in an on-and-off relationship for over three years and care deeply for each other. Eric asked Janell to be there for him during this time, and she wanted to show up for him.”
Janell Shirtcliff is at work. | Source: Instagram/janellshirtcliff
A photo of Janell Shirtcliff holding a camera. | Source: Instagram/janellshirtcliff
Janell Shirtcliff places a cowgirl hat on her head. | Source: Instagram/janellshirtcliff
On her ranch, Janell Shirtcliff takes photo with two horses. | Source: Instagram/janellshirtcliff
Janell Shirtcliff takes a walk with a horse. | Source: Instagram/janellshirtcliff
A black-and-white photo of Janell Shirtcliff on her ranch. | Source: Instagram/janellshirtcliff
Janell Shirtcliff is with a friend. | Source: Instagram/janellshirtcliff
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His Final Months
In her essay in The Cut, Gayheart also described their final year together with heartbreaking honesty. “We wanna take advantage of the time that he has right now,” she wrote. “He made it very clear that he wants to spend time with his family as much as possible, and I am committed to facilitating that.”
Rebecca Gayheart, Eric Dane, daughter’s Billie Beatrice Dane and Georgia Dane arrive at the World Premiere of Disney’s “Cinderella” at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood, California on March 1, 2015. | Source: Getty Images
McSteamy had 24/7 nurses. Insurance battles. Friends stepping in to help.
“So I had to call on two of Eric’s friends, one of them who had never really taken care of him in that way. I thought, I can’t believe I had to ask someone to do this. And of course when I asked for help, they said, ‘Yeah, anything, what do you need? What’s going on?’ And they both showed up and did a wonderful job,” Gayheart wrote.
Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart are on a family vacation with their daughters Billie and Georgia on August 21, 2022. | Source: Instagram/rebeccagayheartdane
His Passing at 53
On February 19, 2026, Dane died at 53, People confirmed. “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” his family said. “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.”
“Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.”
Eric, Billie, and Georgia Dane attend the Los Angeles Premiere of Columbia Pictures’ “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” at TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California, on May 30, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
The Internet Reacts
After Page Six shared photos of his final public appearance, before his death, at LAX, speculation quickly surfaced online. One commenter wrote, “he didn’t look that advanced.. i wonder if something else happened.”
Eric Dane attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Columbia Pictures’ “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” at TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California on May 30, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Another added, “Damn. A shadow of his former physical self. RIP.” A third said, “He just doesn’t look that bad. I’m wondering if it was assisted. If he choose his own time kudos to him. He has always been a strong beautiful man. Going downhill so badly would destroy him I think. Bless him.. [sic].”
“I was thinking the same thing…I wondered if he opted for the end of life option..I know some States have legalized it..,” a final comment read. However, his family confirmed he passed “following a courageous battle with ALS.”
Beyond the speculation and headlines, those closest to him were focused on something far more personal. Above all else, Dane was a father. In his final months, it wasn’t red carpets or ratings that mattered. It was his daughters.
For the actor, who once said, “I never had a family, and now I do,” that may be the most powerful image of all. And as you scroll back through these photos, the fame, the mistakes, the reinventions, that truth lingers louder than anything else.
