Eric Dane, the beloved actor best known for his role as the plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Sloan on the hit American television series 'Grey’s Anatomy', has passed away at the age of 54 after a battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Reports indicate that he died on the 19th of this month and had spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his wife, and their two daughters, Billy and Georgia.

Born in Chicago in 1976, Dane became a prominent figure in television through 'Grey’s Anatomy', which first aired in 2005 and has continued through 22 seasons. He played the character Mark Sloan, a charming but often irresponsible womanizer who matures after falling in love with Lexie, Meredith’s sister. This role not only etched his name in fans' hearts but also showcased his ability to portray complex characters on screen.

In addition to his iconic role in 'Grey's Anatomy', Dane starred in various films and series, including 'X-Men: The Last Stand' and 'Marley & Me', as well as HBO's critically acclaimed show 'Euphoria'. He publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis in April of last year and became an advocate for research into neurodegenerative diseases. In the fall of the same year, he appeared in the NBC medical drama 'Brilliant Minds', portraying a firefighter suffering from ALS, further highlighting the impact of the disease through his work.