Chyler Leigh, Eric Dane’s On-Screen Love Interest on Grey’s Anatomy, Shares Emotional Tribute After His Death: ‘I Hate It’
“He was an amazing father and loved his girls FIERCELY,” Leigh wrote, in part, of her late former costar in a statement shared on Feb. 21
Chyler Leigh paid tribute to her late on-screen love interest Eric Dane.
The 43-year-old actress — who played Lexie Grey opposite Dane’s Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy — shared a heartfelt tribute to her late former costar two days after Dane died on Feb. 19 at the age of 53.
“The last 48 hours have been devastating,” Leigh wrote in a statement to E! News. “I never thought I would be using the term ‘had or was,’ but here we are. And I hate it.”
She continued, “Eric had a heart of gold. His humor and, especially, his laugh was infectious. He was a deeply intelligent man who could carry a philosophical conversation for hours even while we were on set.”
“He was an amazing father and loved his girls FIERCELY,” Leigh added, referring to Dane’s two daughters, Billie Beatrice, 15, and Georgia Geraldine, 14, whom he shares with ex Rebecca Gayheart.
Chyler went on to rave about how “passionate about his work” he was and “the causes he kept close to his heart,” including his advocacy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a.k.a. Lou Gehrig’s disease, which he had been diagnosed with less than a year prior to his death.
“The Universe is undoubtedly holding Eric now just as I will continue to do within my heart forever,” she concluded her statement.
Dane’s family confirmed his death in a statement to PEOPLE on Feb. 19, saying that the actor 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. 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,” they added.
Several other Grey’s Anatomy cast members shared tributes.
Patrick Dempsey, 60, recalled Dane’s heartbreaking final days and shared his thoughts of him during an appearance on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Feb. 20
“He was bedridden and it was very hard for him to swallow, so the quality of his life was deteriorating so rapidly,” Dempsey shared. “He was the funniest man – he was such a joy to work with and I want to just remember him in that spirit because any time 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,” Dempsey continued. “First scene was him, you know, in all his glory, coming out of the bathroom with the towel on looking amazing, making you feel completely out of shape and insignificant.”
Kevin McKidd, who also starred on the show, reposted on his Instagram Stories a photo shared by Variety of Dane on the Grey’s Anatomy set and wrote, “Rest in peace buddy…”
Grey’s alum Sarah Drew shared the same photo on her Instagram Stories, writing, “Rest in peace,” alongside three crying emojis.
