Tributes have been pouring in for Eric Dane, the actor widely recognized for his portrayal of Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on the hit medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, who has died at the age of 53. Dane’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from colleagues and collaborators across the entertainment industry.

Sam Levinson, creator of the HBO series Euphoria—in which Dane played Cal Jacobs—shared his sorrow, describing himself as “heartbroken” by the loss. Speaking to Variety, Levinson said working alongside Dane was both an honor and a deeply meaningful experience.

Dane’s former Grey’s Anatomy co-star Patrick Dempsey also reflected on the actor’s final days, revealing that his health had declined significantly. In an interview on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show, Dempsey noted that Dane had been bedridden as his condition worsened rapidly.

The actor died nearly a year after publicly sharing his diagnosis with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a progressive neurological disease that affects nerve cells and leads to muscle degeneration. His death came poignantly on the 20th anniversary of his first appearance on Grey’s Anatomy.

In a statement given to People, Dane’s family confirmed he passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon after what they described as a “courageous battle” with the illness. They added that he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones, including his wife and daughters, Billie and Georgia, whom they described as the center of his life.

Beyond his defining roles in Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria, Dane built a diverse acting career across television and film. He appeared in the fantasy series Charmed as Jason Dean, and had roles in major films such as X-Men: The Last Stand, Marley & Me, Valentine’s Day, Burlesque, and Bad Boys: Ride or Die.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rare but devastating condition. It is named after Lou Gehrig, the legendary New York Yankees first baseman who was diagnosed with the disease in the late 1930s. According to the American Medical Association, more than 31,000 people in the United States are currently living with ALS.

Eric Dane’s legacy endures through his memorable performances and the lasting impact he made on colleagues, friends, and audiences alike.