‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Cast and Creator Shonda Rhimes Honor Eric Dane After His Death: ‘A Truly Gifted Actor’ Who ‘Left an Indelible Mark’

The cast of “Grey’s Anatomy” and the show’s creator Shonda Rhimes are speaking out following the death of Eric Dane. The actor, who appeared as Dr. Mark Sloan for 145 episodes of the ABC medical drama, died on Feb. 19 after a battle with ALS.

On behalf of her company, Shondaland, Rhimes wrote: “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.

“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.”

The company and Rhimes also posted a video tribute to Dane on Instagram.

On Sunday, Katherine Heigl, who starred on “Grey’s Anatomy” from its 2005 premiere until 2010, posted about Dane, saying she “debated posting” because she’s “never been comfortable grieving publicly,” adding “But that silence can often look like a lack of care which I could not abide here.”

Heigl addressed Dane’s family, writing: “There is so little, if in fact anything, one can say about a tragic loss like yours. All the ‘I’m sorries’ and ‘my prayers are with you’ ring a bit hollow in the midst of so much pain and grief. So I will say the only thing that has ever brought me peace when I’ve lost someone I love. It is Robert Frost’s poem ‘Nothing Gold Can Stay’ of which I have tattooed on my body in my parent’s handwriting so I will never forget that the moment of gold was worth it,” quoting the poem.

“I will never forget Eric’s gold and I will forever be grateful I got to bask in it for even a brief moment in time,” she wrote. “Thank you for sharing him with us. God Speed my old friend…here’s to your next great adventure.”

Earlier in the weekend, Kate Walsh, who has played Dr. Addison Montgomery on “Grey’s Anatomy” on and off since the Season 1 finale, posted a tribute to Dane on Instagram: “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.”

“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 continued.

Former “Grey’s Anatomy” star T.R. Knight posted a photo of him straightening a smiling Dane’s bowtie on Saturday, writing, “Eric, your generosity and humor will always be a guide, your courage and honesty, a beacon. My heart is a part of the vast circle that surrounds you and loves you.”

Kim Raver, who plays Dr. Teddy Altman on “Grey’s Anatomy,” posted on Instagram on Thursday after the news broke that he had died.

“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,” Raver wrote. “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 (and his character’s death). Mark appeared in a 2021 episode, as part of Meredith’s dream sequence. Dane appeared on screen with Chyler Leigh, who played Lexie Grey (and had also died after the plane crash that killed Mark).

“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 Rhimes has often said that the character was one of her favorites to write.

Patrick Dempsey, the McDreamy to Dane’s McSteamy, was interviewed on “The Chris Evans Breakfast Show” on Feb. 20, and said that he and Dane had been texting the week before. ““He had a great sense of humor,” Dempsey said. “He was easy to work with, we got along instantly.”

Kevin McKidd, who’s played Dr. Owen Hunt on “Grey’s Anatomy” since Season 5, also paid tribute to Dane Thursday night, posting a photo of Dane on his Instagram stories, writing, “Rest in Peace, Buddy.”

“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.