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Eric Dane, fondly remembered by many of his Grey’s Anatomy colleagues, passed away at the age of 53 on Thursday. His family confirmed the sad news to People, coming less than a year after he publicly shared his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Dane was celebrated for his diverse career in Hollywood, most notably for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan, affectionately known as McSteamy, on the popular medical drama. He first graced the series in 2006, capturing the hearts of many with his performance.
His death poignantly coincides with the 20th anniversary of his debut on the ABC series, with his first episode airing on February 19, 2006.
Throughout his time on Grey’s Anatomy, Dane worked alongside a talented ensemble cast, including Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey, Kate Walsh, Kevin McKidd, Sarah Drew, Sandra Oh, and Katherine Heigl, leaving an indelible mark on both his colleagues and fans alike.
He had worked alongside stars such as Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey, Kate Walsh, Kevin McKidd, Sarah Drew, Sandra Oh and Katherine Heigl.
McKidd took to his Instagram stories to repost an image of Dane as Dr. Mark Sloan while adding the text: ‘Rest in Peace Buddy.’
Eric Dane has been remembered by some of his former Grey’s Anatomy castmates following his passing at age 53 on Thursday; seen in 2024 in Hollywood
Dane was known for a multitude of roles throughout his Hollywood career, including his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan (also known as McSteamy) on the hit medical series beginning in 2006
He had joined the cast of Grey’s Anatomy back in 2008 to play the character of Dr. Owen Hunt.
Sarah Drew – who portrayed Dr. April Kepner on the show – reposted the same image and penned, ‘Rest in peace,’ followed by crying face emojis.
20th Television, which includes ABC, issued a statement to Deadline on Thursday shortly after news of Dane’s passing came to light.
‘We are deeply saddened by the loss of Eric Dane,’ it read, before reflecting on the late actor’s impact on the show.
‘His remarkable talent and unforgettable presence on Grey’s Anatomy left a lasting impact on audiences around the world, and his courage and grace during his battle with ALS inspired so many.
‘Our hearts are with his family, friends, and colleagues, as well as the many fans whose lives were touched by his work.’
Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes said, ‘Eric Dane was a beloved member of the Shondaland and Grey’s Anatomy families. He was truly a gifted actor whose portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan left an indelible mark on the series and on audiences around the world.’
A special tribute is set to additionally be made to Dane in the upcoming episode of Grey’s Anatomy that will air next week on February 26, per Deadline.
In 2006, Dane joined the show as Dr. Sloan but officially left during season 9 after his character died in a plane crash.
His passing occurred on the 20th anniversary of his initial appearance on the ABC show, with Dane’s first episode airing on February 19, 2006
McKidd took to his Instagram stories to repost an image of Dane as Dr. Mark Sloan while adding the text: ‘Rest in Peace Buddy’; seen in 2023 in Hollywood
Sarah Drew – who portrayed Dr. April Kepner on the show – reposted the same image and penned, ‘Rest in peace,’ followed by crying face emojis
A special tribute is set to additionally be made to Dane in the upcoming episode of Grey’s Anatomy that will air next week on February 26, per Deadline; Dempsey and Dane seen above
Earlier this month, Pompeo – who has been playing has been playing Dr. Meredith Grey since 2005 – recalled the conversation she had with Dane after he revealed his ALS diagnosis last year in April.
She had opened up about the topic for the ALS Network Champions for Cures & Care Gala, per People.
In a pre-taped message that was shared to attendees at the event, Pompeo admitted that she ‘fell in love’ with the actor when he joined the Grey’s Anatomy cast in season two.
‘I remember when he came in as McSteamy and us having instant electric chemistry, and I immediately just fell in love with him,’ Pompeo said.
The moment she learned of his ALS diagnosis, she immediately reached out to Dane – and less then a minute later he called her.
‘As soon as I heard about his diagnosis, I texted him, and I said, “I’m here if you want to speak.” And my phone rang 30 seconds later.’
During their conversation, Pompeo also told Dane that she is there for him for ‘whatever you need, however I can help. I love you.’
In the pre-taped video shared at the gala, the actress also sent Dane a personal message.
Earlier this month, Pompeo – who has been playing has been playing Dr. Meredith Grey since 2005 – recalled the conversation she had with Dane after he revealed his ALS diagnosis last year in April; seen in 2025 in West Hollywood
In a pre-taped message that was shared to attendees at the event, Pompeo admitted that she ‘fell in love’ with the actor when he joined the Grey’s Anatomy cast in season two
‘I’m really proud of you. I love you so much and I am honored to get to speak about you today.’
Other celebrity friends and former castmates of Dane paid emotional tributes to the late actor on Thursday.
Ashton Kutcher took to X shortly after learning the devastating news of Dane’s passing and wrote, ‘The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane.
‘We know you’ll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS.’
Kutcher and Dane had previously starred together on the 2010 rom-com film Valentine’s Day.
Selma Blair reposted a clip to her Instagram stories from @eric_dane_fan which showed her and Dane in the show Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane.
In text added towards the top of the reel, the actress – who is currently battling multiple sclerosis (MS) – wrote, ‘I love you. And yours.’
Blair was referencing to a scene in the series where their characters accidently took each other’s books.
Nina Dobrev shared a message to her Instagram stories alongside a behind-the-scenes image of Dane. The pair had previously worked on the 2022 movie Redeeming Love.
Other celebrity friends and former castmates of Dane paid emotional tributes to the late actor on Thursday; seen in 2022 in Denver
Kutcher took to X shortly after learning the devastating news of Dane’s passing and wrote, ‘The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane’
‘We know you’ll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS,’ Kutcher added
In text added towards the top of the reel, the actress – who is currently battling multiple sclerosis (MS) – wrote, ‘I love you. And yours’
She penned, ‘Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Eric. He was warm, generous, prepared, and so passionate about what he did.
‘He led with kindness and made everyone on our set feel seen. ALS is a cruel and unforgiving disease.’
The Vampire Diaries alum added, ‘May his memory inspire more research, awareness, and progress toward a cure. He will be deeply missed. Sending love and heartfelt condolensces to his family.’
Sam Levinson – the creator of the HBO Max series Euphoria – has also broken his silence on the late star’s death. Dane had played the role of Cal Jacobs on the series.
‘I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. Working with him was an honor,’ Levinson told Variety.
‘Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing.’
Alyssa Milano also took to Instagram to share a moving tribute to Dane – whom she starred with on the series Charmed.
‘I can’t stop seeing that spark in Eric’s eye right before he’d say something that would either make you spit out your drink or rethink your entire perspective.’
She added, ‘He had a razor-sharp sense of humor. He loved the absurdity of things. He loved catching people off guard.
‘And when it came to his daughters and Rebecca, everything in him softened. He carried them with him even in rooms where they weren’t present. You could see it in the way his voice changed when he said their names. A breathtakingly beautiful family.’
Nina Dobrev shared a message to her Instagram stories alongside a behind-the-scenes image of Dane. The pair had previously worked on the 2022 movie Redeeming Love; seen earlier this month in L.A.
She penned, ‘Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Eric. He was warm, generous, prepared, and so passionate about what he did’
Milano also recalled that Dane had ‘convinced me to get my pixie cut and my nose piercing.
‘He also was with me on the walk when we found Lucy, my beloved rescue chihuahua. He called me “Milano,” as if it was the only part of my name that mattered.’
The actress concluded with, ‘My heart is with the people who were lucky enough to be his home.’
Milano also uploaded a photo of Dane with his family as well as a throwback image of them on Charmed.
Maria Shriver additionally penned a moving tribute on Instagram alongside a black and white photo of the late actor.
‘I’m heartbroken by this devastating news about Eric Dane. What a tragedy. He was so heroic the way he handled his diagnosis. He used his voice to let the world know what it was like living with ALS.’
She continued, ‘I was honored he chose my publishing imprint to publish his memoir. He told me he wanted his family to know how much he loved them, and he wanted to leave them a story they could be proud of.
‘My love goes out to his family, and to all those battling this cruel disease, as well as all those caring for someone battling it. Godspeed, Eric. It was an honor to know you, and we will honor your story. ♥️.’
Sam Levinson – the creator of the HBO Max series Euphoria – has also broken his silence on the late star’s death. Dane had played the role of Cal Jacobs on the series; Levinson seen in 2023 in L.A.
Alyssa Milano also took to Instagram to share a moving tribute to Dane – whom she starred with on the series Charmed; Milano seen in 2025 in NYC
‘I can’t stop seeing that spark in Eric’s eye right before he’d say something that would either make you spit out your drink or rethink your entire perspective,’ the actress wrote
Maria Shriver additionally penned a moving tribute on Instagram alongside a black and white photo of the late actor; seen in 2025 in NYC
Late last year in December, it was revealed that the actor had been set to release a memoir about the challenges of ALS.
Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments was announced to be be released under Shriver’s The Open Field, a subset of Penguin Random House, sometime in 2026 – although an official date had yet to be confirmed.
John Stamos penned a tribute on Instagram as he penned, ‘RIP, Buddy. Me and @realericdane played brothers years ago in a beautiful movie called, Wedding Wars. Good guy. Too soon. Xo J.’
His family said in a statement on Thursday, ‘With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous 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.’
They added, ‘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.
John Stamos is another celebrity who shared a tribute on Thursday upon learning of Dane’s death; seen in 2025 in West Hollywood
The Full House alum penned, ‘RIP, Buddy. Me and @realericdane played brothers years ago in a beautiful movie called, Wedding Wars. Good guy. Too soon. Xo J’
The award-winning actor is survived by his two teenage daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13, and his wife, Rebecca Gayheart; seen in 2017 in Brentwood
‘He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. 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.’
The award-winning actor is survived by his two teenage daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 13, and his wife, Rebecca Gayheart.
ALS is ‘a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord’ and can ’cause loss of muscle control,’ per Mayo Clinic.
Dane announced his diagnosis with the disease last year in April.