The cast of “Grey’s Anatomy” is speaking out following thedeath of Eric Dane. The actor, who appeared as Dr. Mark Sloane for 145 episodes of the ABC medical drama, died on Feb. 19 after a battle with ALS.
“Eric was a light. You’d see it effortlessly shine from him on the set of Grey’s as well as when he was with Rebecca 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,” Kim Raver, who portrays Dr. Teddy Altman on “Grey’s,” posted via Instagram. “My love and thoughts go out to Rebecca and their girls. We love you.”
Longtime executive producer Krista Vernoff shared screenshots of a text conversation with Dane in 2021 when he returned to the show for a cameo, nine years after his exit.
“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,” she captioned the post. “When I came to set that day, he said, we’re breaking the rules and hugging now right? The thing I will remember most about Eric Dane are his hugs. The best hugs. Oh my friend. I wish you peace.”
Dane, whose character was known as “McSteamy,” joined “Grey’s Anatomy” in Season 2 as a guest star. However, the audience quickly fell in love with the character, and he returned in Season 3 as a series regular. He made his final appearance in the second episode of Season 9, when Mark died after being taken off life support following a plane crash. Creator Shonda Rhimes has often said that the character was one of her favorites to write. He appeared in a 2021 episode, as part of Meredith’s dream sequence.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Eric Dane,” ABC and 20th Television said in a statement. “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.”
In April 2025, only 11 months before his death, Dane announced he had been diagnosed with ALS.
Last month, during the ALS Network Champions for Cures & Care Gala, Pompeo revealed in a pre-recorded video that she texted Dane immediately after learning of his diagnosis. “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,” she said at the time.
