# Eric Dane > American actor (1972–2026) **Wikidata**: [Q299421](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q299421) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Dane) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eric-dane ## Summary Eric Dane was an American actor and film producer, best known for his roles in the medical drama *Grey's Anatomy* and the action series *The Last Ship*. Born on November 9, 1972, he became a prominent figure in television and film before his death on February 19, 2026. ## Biography - **Born**: November 9, 1972, in San Francisco, California, U.S. - **Nationality**: American - **Education**: Attended San Francisco State University and Humboldt State University. - **Known for**: Portraying Dr. Mark Sloan in *Grey's Anatomy* and starring in *The Last Ship*. - **Employer(s)**: ABC Studios (*Grey's Anatomy*), TNT (*The Last Ship*). - **Field(s)**: Television, film, film production. ## Contributions - **Grey's Anatomy (2006–2012)**: Dane played the charismatic and complex Dr. Mark Sloan, a central character in the series, earning recognition for his portrayal of a flawed yet compelling surgeon. - **The Last Ship (2014–2018)**: Starred as Captain Tom Chandler, leading the cast through five seasons of the post-apocalyptic drama. - **Film Roles**: Appeared in *Marley & Me* (2008), *Burden of Proof* (2017), and *The Intruder* (2019). - **Producing Work**: Served as a producer on select projects, though specific credits are not detailed in the source material. ## FAQs **When was Eric Dane born and when did he die?** Eric Dane was born on November 9, 1972, and died on February 19, 2026. **What are Eric Dane’s most notable roles?** He is best known for his roles as Dr. Mark Sloan in *Grey's Anatomy* and Captain Tom Chandler in *The Last Ship*. **How did Eric Dane begin his acting career?** He started with small roles in the 1990s, including appearances in *Beverly Hills, 90210* and *The Wonder Years*, before gaining prominence in the 2000s. **Did Eric Dane work in film production?** Yes, he was also active as a film producer, though specific projects are not highlighted in the provided data. ## Why They Matter Eric Dane left a lasting impact on television drama through his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan, a character that resonated with audiences for his depth and vulnerability. His work in *The Last Ship* showcased his ability to lead action-driven narratives, solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor. His contributions to both television and film helped shape popular genres, from medical dramas to post-apocalyptic thrillers, leaving a legacy in American entertainment. ## Notable For - Iconic role as Dr. Mark Sloan ("McSteamy") in *Grey's Anatomy*. - Starring role in TNT’s *The Last Ship* (2014–2018). - Film appearances in *Marley & Me* and *The Intruder*. - Work as a film producer alongside his acting career. - Recognition for his performances in both comedic and dramatic roles. ## Body ### Early Life and Education Eric Dane was born on November 9, 1972, in San Francisco, California. He attended San Francisco State University and later transferred to Humboldt State University, where he studied environmental science and theater arts. His early interest in acting led him to pursue a career in entertainment. ### Career Dane began his acting career in the early 1990s with guest roles in television series such as *Beverly Hills, 90210* and *The Wonder Years*. His breakthrough came in 2006 when he joined the cast of *Grey's Anatomy* as Dr. Mark Sloan, a role that brought him widespread recognition. He remained a series regular until 2012, becoming a fan favorite for his nuanced portrayal of a flawed surgeon. In 2014, Dane took on the lead role of Captain Tom Chandler in TNT’s *The Last Ship*, a post-apocalyptic drama that ran for five seasons. The show allowed him to expand his action-hero credentials while exploring themes of leadership and survival. Beyond television, Dane appeared in films such as *Marley & Me* (2008), *Burden of Proof* (2017), and *The Intruder* (2019). He also ventured into producing, though specific projects are not detailed in the source material. ### Legacy Eric Dane’s performances in *Grey's Anatomy* and *The Last Ship* cemented his status as a versatile actor capable of balancing drama and action. His portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan remains a highlight of his career, influencing the trajectory of medical dramas on television. Through his work, Dane demonstrated a knack for bringing complexity to his characters, leaving a mark on both audiences and the entertainment industry. Dane’s death on February 19, 2026, marked the end of a career spanning over three decades, during which he contributed to numerous iconic projects and inspired a generation of actors. His legacy endures through his memorable roles and the impact of his performances on popular culture. ## References 1. Czech National Authority Database 2. Integrated Authority File 3. [Page Six](https://pagesix.com/2026/02/19/celebrity-news/why-eric-danes-wife-rebecca-gayheart-withdrew-divorce-filing-after-actors-als-diagnosis/) 4. datos.bne.es 5. International Standard Name Identifier 6. Virtual International Authority File 7. MusicBrainz 8. [Eric Dane, Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria Star, Dead at 53 Nearly 1 Year After Announcing ALS Diagnosis. People](https://people.com/eric-dane-dead-greys-anatomy-star-was-53-11717334) 9. [Eric Dane, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Euphoria’ Star, Dies at 53. 2026](https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/eric-dane-dead-mcsteamy-greys-anatomy-euphoria-1236667968/) 10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 11. [Source](https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/eric-dane-who-played-mcsteamy-greys-anatomy-dies-53-2026-02-20/) 12. [People. 2025](https://people.com/eric-dane-diagnosed-with-als-exclusive-11713179) 13. IdRef 14. [Eric Dane (Eric William Dane). Rivista del Cinematografo](https://www.cinematografo.it/cast/eric-dane-k2z296pe) 15. Google Knowledge Graph 16. The Movie Database 17. [Eric Dane - Behind The Voice Actors](https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Eric-Dane/)