American Actor Eric Dane, best known for his role as plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Sloan in the medical series “Grey’s Anatomy,” has died at age 53, US media reported on Thursday.
Last year, Dane announced that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the neurological disorder also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” Dane’s family said in a statement cited by CBS and other news outlets.
Dane, born in San Francisco, made his TV debut in a 1991 episode of the series “Saved by the Bell.” His breakout role in “Grey’s Anatomy” began in 2006, where he played the handsome surgeon Dr. Mark Sloan. He appeared in 139 episodes until 2012, with guest appearances in later seasons.
He also played Jason Dean in the fantasy drama series “Charmed” and Captain Tom Chandler in the action drama show “The Last Ship.” Dane later featured in the HBO drama “Euphoria.”
