Kate Walsh Speaks Out: The Untold Story Behind Eric Dane’s Tragic Passing

Kate Walsh, renowned for her role in Grey’s Anatomy, has expressed heartfelt condolences for her former onscreen partner, Eric Dane, following his passing.

On Friday, February 20, Walsh took to Instagram to honor Dane, who succumbed to ALS at the age of 53 on Thursday. She shared her sorrow through a post featuring a collection of photos with Dane and other cast members from the beloved medical drama.

“Finding the right words to convey the sadness I feel over Eric’s passing is incredibly difficult,” Walsh, 58, expressed. Her tribute was accompanied by images capturing cherished moments with Dane and their Grey’s Anatomy colleagues.

Walsh began her emotional message by extending her deepest sympathies to Dane’s daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, as well as their mother, Rebecca Gayheart.

Grey’s Anatomy has long captivated audiences with its portrayal of intense medical crises, paralleling the real-life challenges faced by its stars. The show’s fandom experienced another shock in January 2026, when news broke of Steven W. Bailey’s health battle, adding to the series’ history of off-screen trials.

“First and foremost I am thinking of his girls and Rebecca and holding them in my prayers and my heart,” Walsh wrote.

Walsh played Dr. Addison Montgomery in the medical drama. Her character’s romance with Dane’s character Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan was a major plot point in early seasons of the show.

In her tribute post, Walsh reflected on her memories shooting alongside Dane as she complimented his real-life personality.

“I literally remember my very first scene with Eric…an elevator scene at Seattle Greys 😊 So, so long ago. I believe it was his first scene on the show too and he was nervous. He was so handsome and I thought ‘but can this guy act?’ 😂 and of course he could, and did, and the rest is history,” Walsh wrote.

She continued, “One of the things I loved about Eric was his sensitivity and vulnerability, (and intelligence, of course) but he had the gravitas & old soul that made his work magnetic and made him a great friend off set. In those early days of Grey’s, as with most network tv shows, we spent more time with each other than with anyone else and so we became a family of sorts and Eric was such a source of support and love.”

Walsh ended the post by urging her followers to help organizations trying to find a cure for the debilitating disease.

“ALS is an awful disease & too many people have lost loved ones to it. I know it was Eric’s mission to help find a cure. I would encourage you to look into @targetals in his memory. 🕊️,” she wrote.

The Grey’s Anatomy cast had Eric Dane’s back during his ALS battle before his death in February 2026. After appearing in more than 140 episodes of the ABC drama as Dr. Mark Sloan, Dane said goodbye to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in 2012. But after the actor announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, many […]

Dane’s family confirmed via a statement on Thursday that the Euphoria star died following a battle with ALS.

“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,” the statement read. “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.”

The statement 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.”

Dane appeared on Grey’s Anatomy from 2006 to 2012 before returning for a surprise appearance in 2021.

He publicly announced he had been diagnosed with ALS via People in April 2025.