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Eric Dane's Sobriety Battle Before ALS Death
21 Feb
Summary
- Dane battled substance abuse during his 'Grey's Anatomy' role.
- He revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025.
- Dane passed away in February 2026 after an ALS battle.
Actor Eric Dane candidly shared his journey with sobriety prior to his passing. He revealed that during his eight seasons playing Dr. Mark Sloan on 'Grey's Anatomy,' his substance abuse was extensive.
Dane admitted that prolonged time off, such as during the 2007 writers' strike, led him back to drugs and alcohol, despite having achieved nine years of sobriety prior. He clarified that his departure from 'Grey's Anatomy' was not directly due to his addiction but rather network economics.
In June 2024, Dane recounted a memorable encounter at an AA meeting with Dax Shepard, which nearly escalated into a physical altercation. Their shared experiences and subsequent bonding over cars became a significant part of their relationship.
He also discussed how his personal struggles influenced his portrayal of Cal Jacobs in 'Euphoria,' drawing parallels between leading a double life and hiding substance abuse issues.
Dane publicly announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. After a year-long battle, he passed away in February 2026, surrounded by his family. His family stated he became a passionate advocate for ALS awareness and research during his illness.
