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The entertainment world was shaken by the passing of Eric Dane, who died at the age of 53 after a courageous fight against ALS. Dane was beloved for his role as the charismatic Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on “Grey’s Anatomy,” a character he portrayed with great flair for seven seasons. His journey on the show began in Season 3 in 2006 and carried through to the start of Season 9 in 2012.
During his tenure on the medical drama, Dane shared the screen with an ensemble of talented actors including Ellen Pompeo, who played the iconic Meredith Grey, and Patrick Dempsey, known for his role as Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd. The cast also featured Kate Walsh, Katherine Heigl, Sandra Oh, Justin Chambers, T.R. Knight, and Jesse Williams, among others, who together with Dane, brought depth and drama to the series.
In the wake of his passing, Dane’s former co-stars expressed their sorrow and paid tribute to their colleague. Kevin McKidd, who portrays Owen Hunt on the show, honored Dane by sharing a poignant photo of him in his scrubs. Accompanying the image, McKidd wrote a heartfelt message on his Instagram Stories, stating, “Rest in Peace, Buddy.”
Similarly, Sarah Drew, known for her role as Dr. April Kepner across nine seasons of “Grey’s Anatomy,” joined in the tributes. She reposted the same touching image on her Instagram Stories with a simple yet profound message: “Rest in peace.”
The outpouring of affection and respect from his “Grey’s Anatomy” family underscores the enduring impact Eric Dane made both on and off screen. He will be remembered fondly for his contributions to the series and the indelible mark he left on his colleagues and fans alike.
Dane, who announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, passed away on Thursday.
His loved ones shared the devastating news in a statement to People on Thursday night.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” they wrote.
“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” Dane’s family added.
The “Euphoria” alum’s family went on to note how Dane became a “passionate advocate for awareness and research” who was “determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight” amid his battle with ALS.
“He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always,” they concluded. “Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
Dempsey had opened up about Dane’s shocking ALS battle during an interview with Parade less than one month before his beloved former co-star’s passing.
The “Memory of a Killer” star said that he was texting with Dane “a few weeks ago” and revealed that Dane’s diagnosis made it “virtually impossible” for him to guest star on the new Fox show.
“It’s very hard for him, but I do try to stay in touch and see how he’s doing,” Dempsey said during the January interview. “I think he’s been incredibly courageous in the face of this horrible disease.”
“He’s such a wonderful human being,” he added last month. “He has such a great sense of humor, and he’s so intelligent. I’ve always enjoyed working and being around Eric.”
Pompeo, meanwhile, just recently revealed the private conversation she shared with Dane shortly after learning of his debilitating ALS diagnosis.
“As soon as I heard about his diagnosis, I texted him, and I said, ‘I’m here if you want to speak,’” the actress recalled in a pre-taped message shared during the ALS Network Champions for Cures & Care Gala on Jan. 24.
“And my phone rang 30 seconds later,” she shared.
Pompeo told Dane that she was there to help him with whatever he needed and however she could.
“I love you,” she added during the ALS event last month. “I’m really proud of you. I love you so much, and I am honored to get to speak about you today.”
The “Good American Family” star also reflected on the first time Dane joined the “Grey’s” cast as McSteamy 20 years earlier.
“I remember when he came in as McSteamy and us having instant electric chemistry, and I immediately just fell in love with him,” she shared.
Dane and Williams were set to have a mini “Grey’s” reunion during the 2025 Emmy Awards in September 2025 in honor of the hit medical drama’s 20th anniversary.
However, the late “Charmed” alum was forced to miss the event after suffering a fall and splitting his head open shortly before the ceremony.
Although Williams went on to present the award for outstanding directing in a drama series alone, he praised Dane earlier in the night.
“I loved working with him,” Williams said during the red carpet. “On and off screen, that’s my brother.”
Dane, whose passing came exactly 20 years after his first appearance on “Grey’s” in the Season 2 episode “Yesterday” on Feb. 19, 2006, always remembered his time on the show fondly.
“It was fun,” Dane, who returned as McSteamy one last time for a cameo during Season 17 in 2021, shared during a 2022 interview on “The Jess Cagle Show.”
“I love all those people dearly,” he said.