Eric Dane death: Reactions flood social media after actor’s passing

Actor Eric Dane, 53, dies after ALS battle

Actor Eric Dane, most known for his roles as Dr. Mark "McSteamy" Sloan in Grey's Anatomy and Cal Jacobs in Euphoria, has died at 53. His death comes less than one year after he announced his ALS diagnosis. 

Reactions on social media began to pour in on Thursday evening from all over the world following the tragic death of Eric Dane.

Dane, who was best known for his roles in "Grey’s Anatomy" and "Euphoria" died less than a year after he shared he had been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. 

The world reacts

"NOOOO RIP ERIC DANE," one fan wrote on X.

"PLEASE TELL ME ITS A LIE NOT ERIC DANE," another wrote.

"RIP Eric Dane, gone too soon. McSteamy will live on in our hearts," another fan wrote on X. 

FILE - Eric Dane attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Columbia Pictures' "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" at TCL Chinese Theatre on May 30, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

Celebrities react 

What they're saying:

Shonda Rimes, the creator of "Grey's Anatomy," paid tribute to Dane on her Instagram account, calling him a "truly gifted actor." 

"Eric Dane was a beloved member of the Shondaland and Grey’s Anatomy families. He was truly a gifted actor whose portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan left an indelible mark on the series and on audiences around the world. We are grateful for the artistry, spirit, friendship and humanity he shared with us for so many years. Our hearts are with his family, loved ones, and all who were touched by his work," Rimes wrote. 

Dane's former "Grey's Anatomy" co-star, Patrick Dempsey, paid a touching tribute to the late actor during an interview on "The Chris Evans Breakfast Show" on Friday. 

"The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane. We know you’ll be watching from the booth.  Miss you, buddy.  Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS," Ashton Kutcher wrote on X. 

Fellow actor, Robert Patrick, paid tribute to Dane on X.

"Eric Dane was a good man. We weren’t lifelong friends, but we crossed paths enough for me to know his strength and his heart. ALS is merciless. My thoughts are with his family. Rest easy," Patrick wrote. 

Kim Raver shared a nostalgic photo from her, and Dane's, "Grey's Anatomy" days as a tribute to the late actor: 

Maria Shriver commended Dane for using "his voice to let the world know what it was like living with ALS." 

John Stamos also paid tribute to Dane on Instagram: 

"RIP, Buddy. Me and @realericdane played brothers years ago in a beautiful movie called, Wedding Wars. Good guy. Too soon. Xo J." 

Alyssa Milano shared a touching tribute on Instagram to Dane, praising his humor and his "spark." 

What is ALS? 

Dig deeper:

ALS is a progressive disease that gradually destroys the nerve cells and connections needed to walk, talk, speak and breathe. Most patients die within three to five years of a diagnosis.

It is also commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.