Eric Dane, who played McSteamy in ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ dies
Known for playing Dr. Mark Sloan in “Grey’s Anatomy” and Cal Jacobs in “Euphoria,” Eric Dane died at 53 after battling ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital community is grieving after the death of actor Eric Dane at age 53.
The “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria” star died Thursday, Feb. 19, following a public battle with ALS, his representative, Melissa Bank, confirmed in a statement to USA TODAY.
“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. 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,” the statement read.
Dane played the charming Dr. Mark Sloan from 2006 to 2012 on the long-running medical drama, and he returned for a guest appearance in a 2021 episode. He first appeared as a guest star in Season 2, which aired exactly 20 years before his death, when the medical interns nicknamed him “Dr. McSteamy” opposite former best friend Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), nicknamed “Dr. McDreamy.”
He was later cast as a series regular from Seasons 3 to 8, but exited the series in the Season 9 premiere in 2012.
Patrick Dempsey mourns ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ costar Eric Dane
Patrick Dempsey paid his respects to Dane in an appearance on the U.K.’s Virgin Radio.
“I just woke up this morning, and I was very sad to read the news,” he said. “It’s hard to put into words. I feel really so sad for his children. I was corresponding with him, we were texting, so I spoke to him about a week ago when some friends of ours went in to see him, and he was really starting to lose his ability to speak.
“He was bedridden, and it was very hard for him to swallow so the quality of his life was deteriorating so rapidly,” Dempsey explained, before bursting into a laugh and adding: “He was the funniest man, he was such a joy to work with and I want to just remember him in that spirit.”
Dempsey continued: “Anytime he was on set, he brought so much fun to it. He had a great sense of humor, he was easy to work with, we got along instantly. First scene was him in all his glory coming out of the bathroom with a towel on, looking amazing, making me feel completely out of shape and insignificant.
“We hit it off because there was never really any competition; there was just this wonderful mutual respect,” Dempsey said. “He’s wickedly intelligent, and I’m always going to remember those moments of fun that we had together and celebrate the joy that he did bring to people’s lives. The real loss is for us who don’t have him anymore.”
Dempsey went on to laud Dane’s mission to bring awareness to ALS in his final days, calling his former on-screen best friend “brave,” and remarking on the importance to be grateful for the time we have here on earth.
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ co-star Kate Walsh is ‘at a loss for words’
Kate Walsh, who played Sloan’s friend and love interest, Addison Montgomery-Shephard, said she is at a loss for words as she tries to “express the sadness around Eric’s passing.”
“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,” she wrote on an Instagram post sharing several photos of them together.
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.”
She sent condolences to Dane’s family and urged others to support his mission to find a cure for ALS.
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ creator Shonda Rhimes reacts to Eric Dane’s death
In a post to her Instagram Friday, Feb. 20, “Grey’s” creator Shonda Rhimes posted a montage of clips and photos of Dane on the show and in interviews set to music.
“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,” she wrote in the post, which was also shared to the Shondaland Instagram account.
“We are grateful for the artistry, spirit, friendship and humanity he shared with us for so many years. Our hearts are with his family, loved ones, and all who were touched by his work,” she wrote.
Kevin McKidd, Kim Raver remember ‘Grey’s’ star Eric Dane
Kevin McKidd, who played Dr. Owen Hunt on “Grey’s Anatomy” also took time to mourn his former costar, calling his onscreen moments with Dane “incredible.” Their time on the series coincided with Seasons 5-9.
“He had a natural charisma and comedic dead pan timing like no other. I was honored and blessed to get to work with him on this iconic show. All of us at Grey’s send our love and condolences to his family – he is a huge part of our show and always will be,” McKidd said in a statement to USA TODAY.
Jessica Capshaw, whose played Arizona Robbins on the show, also said she was saddened by Dane’s death.
“For four seasons, Arizona and Mark shared the halls of Seattle Grace — trading eye rolls, quips, hard truths, laughter and a whole lot of heart. Beneath all of his swagger was a vulnerability and a fierce love for the people he chose,” Capshaw said in a statement to USA TODAY. “I am holding his family in my thoughts tonight. May he rest in peace.”
Kim Raver, known to “Grey’s” fans as cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Teddy Altman, called Dane “a light.”
“You’d see it effortlessly shine from him on the set of Grey’s as well as when he was with Rebecca (Gayheart) and the girls. During filming he’d get this twinkle in his eye and with a mischievous look, he would deliver with perfect comedic timing, a line of dialogue that would floor you! You will be missed,” she wrote in an Instagram post sharing a photo of their two characters. “My love and thoughts go out to Rebecca and their girls. We love you.”
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ producer remembers Eric Dane
Krista Vernoff, who spent several years as both an executive producer and head writer on “Grey’s”, took to Instagram to share text conversations with Dane from 2021.
“I called Eric and he answered immediately. I said will you come back? I know it’s a pandemic and shooting is a nightmare but we’re gonna do it on the beach and keep our social distance because the world needs joy and Mark and Lexie are joy. He said where and when. When I came to set that day, he said, we’re breaking the rules and hugging now right?”
She added: “The thing I will remember most about Eric Dane are his hugs. The best hugs. Oh my friend. I wish you peace.”