Ashton Kutcher, Selma Blair and others pay tribute to 'kind' Eric Dane after his death at 53

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Fans, colleagues, and fellow performers have been paying tribute to Eric Dane, the actor best known for his roles on 'Grey’s Anatomy' and 'Euphoria,' following his death at age 53 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Dane’s death on Thursday, Feb 19, 2026, was met with an outpouring of messages from across the entertainment world, as many remembered his work, personality, and advocacy in the face of illness.

"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," his family said in a statement to People on Thursday.

Ashton Kutcher pays tribute to Eric Dane

Eric Dane's celebrity friends and former co-actors have been left heartbroken over his death, with Ashton Kutcher paying an emotional tribute to the late actor. 

Kutcher took to X shortly after learning the devastating news of Dane's death and wrote, "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."

Kutcher and Dane had previously starred together in the 2010 rom-com film 'Valentine's Day.' 

Dane was known for a multitude of roles throughout his Hollywood career, including his portrayal of Dr Mark Sloan (also known as McSteamy) on 'Grey's Anatomy.'

Celebrities offer homage to Eric Dane

Nina Dobrev shared a message on her Instagram stories alongside a behind-the-scenes image of Dane.

The pair had previously worked on the 2022 movie ‘Redeeming Love.'

“He led with kindness and made everyone on our set feel seen. ALS is a cruel and unforgiving disease,” she said. 

The Vampire Diaries alum added, “May his memory inspire more research, awareness, and progress toward a cure. He will be deeply missed. Sending love and heartfelt condolences to his family.”

‘Euphoria’ creator Sam Levinson also paid tribute to Eric Dane, who played Cal Jacobs on the HBO Max show.

“I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing,” Levinson said in a statement to Variety.

Sharing a clip of them on The WB’s ‘Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane’, Selma Blair wrote on her Instagram Story, “I love you. And yours.”

Alyssa Milano, who worked with Dane during his Charmed arc from 2003 to ’04, wrote on Instagram, “I can’t stop seeing that spark in Eric’s eye right before he’d say something that would either make you spit out your drink or rethink your entire perspective. He had a razor-sharp sense of humor. He loved the absurdity of things. He loved catching people off guard."

Known for his role as ‘McSteamy’ on ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ Dane went on to play the complicated father of Jacob Elordi’s character on ‘Euphoria.’ 

Over the years, the California native also appeared on ‘Gideon’s Crossing,’ ‘Charmed’ and ‘The Last Ship’ and in films including ‘Marley and Me,’ ‘Valentine’s Day’ and ‘X-Men: The Last Stand.’