Eric Dane, widely recognized for his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan, affectionately known as "McSteamy," on the hit ABC medical drama "Grey's Anatomy," has navigated a complex journey through fame, personal struggles, and health challenges. This article delves into Dane's experiences with sobriety, body image, and a recent diagnosis of ALS, providing a comprehensive look at the actor's life both on and off the screen.
Early Success and the "McSteamy" Phenomenon
Dane's introduction to "Grey's Anatomy" fans in season two quickly catapulted him to fame. Becoming a full-time cast member from season three through season eight, he experienced a surge in popularity that he described as "wild" during an episode of Dax Shepard's "Armchair Expert" podcast. His character, Dr. Mark Sloan, was renowned for his charm and surgical skills, making him a fan favorite.
One of the defining moments of his character was a steamy towel scene that earned him the "McSteamy" moniker. However, Dane confessed that he struggled with the attention his looks garnered. "My exterior did not match my interior," he said, explaining that he never saw himself as the heartthrob others perceived him to be. This disconnect led to self-doubt, as he felt "fraudulent" in the role.
Struggles with Sobriety During "Grey's Anatomy"
Before joining "Grey's Anatomy," Dane had been sober for three to four years. He recalled having his "wits about me" and being able to differentiate between reality and the illusion of fame. However, the intense pressure and overwhelming nature of his newfound stardom led to a relapse.
"If you take the whole eight years on 'Grey's Anatomy,' I was f----- up longer than I was sober, and that's when things started going sideways for me," Dane revealed. He admitted to wanting to "pretend that it wasn't" overwhelming and to act as if he was comfortable with the situation, even when he wasn't. In 2011, Dane entered rehab for a painkiller addiction, further highlighting his struggles during this period.
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Dane revealed on the "Armchair Expert" podcast with actor Dax Shepard that he'd been "sober for three or four years" when he booked the hit ABC show. "So I had my wits about me and I sort of knew what reality was and what reality wasn't," he shared. "And I was able to differentiate between the two. And I was able to sort of conceptualize what that was, keep it in its place, enjoy it, dip in every now and again and come back."
He joined the show as a series regular in season three after his character generated buzz in a sizzling towel scene in the second season. Dane says he relapsed at some point during his stint on the show while trying to manage the expectations of playing such a revered and pined-for character on television. "It was overwhelming, and I think I just wanted to pretend that it wasn't and that I was comfortable with it. Act like you've been there, but you haven't been there," he said. "It's very hard to sort of digest," he said of the fame.
Departure from "Grey's Anatomy"
Eric Dane's departure from "Grey's Anatomy" in 2012 was marked by the death of his character, Mark Sloan, in the second episode of season nine. While initially it seemed like a creative decision to explore new avenues, Dane later revealed that he was "let go" from the show.
In 2013, Dane told Entertainment Weekly that his departure was giving him a chance to explore other avenues. "'Grey’s Anatomy' is a world - it’s not about any one individual actor and the storylines were sort of… you know, heading in different directions. So it was an opportunity for me to go, and I was interested in something different."
According to Dane, his increasing salary as a long-time cast member played a role in the decision. "I was starting to become, as most of these actors who have spent significant time on a show, you start to become very expensive for the network," he explained. Despite the circumstances, Dane expressed gratitude towards the show's creator, Shonda Rhimes, for her protection and support. "I love Shonda Rhimes, and she protected me," he admitted.
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Rhimes had previously attested to Entertainment Weekly that Dane "had been thinking" about exiting the show "for a while." At the time, rumors swirled that Dane was not returning due to budget cuts.
Transition to "The Last Ship" and Embracing Physical Fitness
After "Grey's Anatomy," Dane took on the role of Captain Tom Chandler in the post-apocalyptic drama "The Last Ship." This transition marked a significant shift in his physical activity and fitness regimen. "I wasn’t running around the hospital too much," Dane explained. "But there is a lot of running and stunts on ‘The Last Ship.’"
The change of roles resulted in a change of regimen. “I like to get outside and do a lot of cardio these days,” he said. “When I was younger I just lifted weights, but as I get older I realize the importance of cardio. I like to get outside anyway.” He does keep up with the weightlifting in his home gym.
Unlike his time on "Grey's Anatomy," where his character was primarily known for his looks, "The Last Ship" demanded a more physical presence. "This role is a lot more physical. My shirt stays on, but I feel like I’m in better shape," Dane noted. He enjoyed the "training" aspect of the role, relishing the feeling of working hard and pushing his physical limits.
Battling Depression and the Role of Physical Activity
Dane has been open about his battle with depression, emphasizing the importance of physical activity in managing his mental health. "Physical activity is absolutely important for me in my battle with depression," he stated. He mentioned a conversation with a psychiatrist who recommended 30 minutes of exercise a day to help those with depression, although he clarified that it's not a cure-all.
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He explained the intense effort of running up that hill creates the biggest endorphin boost, but it’s not all neurochemical. “I’ve always had a great relationship with the water, and there is a spiritual aspect to surfing that makes me feel better,” he said.
For Dane, exercise serves as a means to generate endorphins and improve his overall well-being. He finds particular solace in activities like surfing, which combines physical exertion with a spiritual connection to the water.
Skin Cancer Diagnosis
Beyond his struggles with sobriety and depression, Dane faced a health scare when he was diagnosed with skin cancer. The diagnosis came after he noticed what appeared to be chapped lips that wouldn't heal. "I went to my dermatologist," Eric reveals in an exclusive interview in the new issue of OK!. "He said it was malignant tissue caused by sun damage."
The malignancy was treated by freezing the cancerous tissue off with liquid nitrogen. Unfortunately for Eric, the actor had a severe reaction to a cream given to him for his lip after the treatment . "My skin is very sensitive," the actor most famous for playing Dr. Mark "McSteamy" Sloan, explains to OK!, "and my lip was traumatized by the procedure I had to go through."
The treatment and subsequent reaction made eating difficult, leading to weight loss. "I didn't eat very well for a couple of weeks and lost a bunch of weight," Eric explains, estimating that he dropped at least 10 pounds off his 6'1" frame while dealing with his cancer.
ALS Diagnosis: A New Challenge
In recent news, Eric Dane revealed his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative neurological disorder. "I wake up every day and I'm immediately reminded that this is happening," Dane, 52, said in an interview with Diane Sawyer that aired Monday on "Good Morning America." "It's not a dream."
He noticed weakness in his right hand over a year ago. "I didn't really think anything of it at the time. I thought maybe I'd been texting too much or my hand was fatigued," he recalled. "But a few weeks later, I noticed it had gotten a little worse, so I went and saw a hand specialist, who sent me to another hand specialist."
Just a few months after first revealing his ALS diagnosis publicly in April, Dane said he has lost function of his right arm and worries about what's next. "I feel like maybe a couple, few more months, and I won't have my left hand (functioning) either," Dane told Sawyer, adding that he's worried about the loss of his legs too. "Sobering."
ALS causes motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord to deteriorate, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventually, loss of the ability to move, speak, or breathe. There is currently no known cure for ALS, and the average prognosis is two to five years from the onset of symptoms.
Despite the daunting diagnosis, Dane remains focused on his family and continuing his work. "I mean, I really, at the end of the day, just, all I want to do is spend time with my family and work a little bit if I can," he said.
Personal Life and Support System
Eric Dane shares two teenage daughters with actress Rebecca Gayheart, whom he married in October 2004. Although the couple once separated, they have since reconciled and maintain a strong bond. Dane credits Gayheart as his "biggest champion" and a source of unwavering support.
After losing his own father to suicide when he was just 7-years-old, Dane said he is "angry" that ALS may also take him from his daughters too soon. "I'm angry because, you know, my father was taken from me when I was young," he said. "And now, you know, there's a very good chance I'm going to be taken from my girls while they're very young."