Sara Ramirez Honors Eric Dane, Highlights His Support for Trans Co-Star

Sara Ramirez honored the memory of their late Grey’s Anatomy co-star Eric Dane by recounting an instance where he selflessly supported a guest star on the show.

On Saturday, February 21, Ramirez, 50, became the latest member of the Grey’s Anatomy cast to pay their respects to Dane, who passed away at 53 on Thursday, February 19, after battling the neurodegenerative disease ALS.

Ramirez shared a “broken heart emoji” via Instagram and included a video from trans activist and actress Alexandra Billings, who portrayed Donna Gibson in the notable Grey’s Anatomy season 3 episode “Where the Boys Are.” This poignant episode focused on Dr. Mark Sloan (Dane) providing support to Donna as she faced a breast cancer diagnosis during her transition.

In a heartfelt 15-minute tribute, Billings reminisced about the empathy Dane showed her on set and how he advocated for her when her lengthy monologue was at risk of being cut. She recalled explaining to Dane how her real-life doctor would often “touch my knee or hold me” during her transition process in the 1980s.

“[The doctor] would reassure me that he saw me, regardless of the topic,” she explained.

After sharing that personal memory, Dane held Billings’ hand during their scene to mimic the genuine support she had received. Eventually, the director and writer informed Billings that her inspiring monologue needed to be cut for time.

“[Eric] quietly asked, ‘What are the five most vital things you express in that monologue?’ … I shared with him! I don’t recall the specifics, but I mentioned one was about my wife. He replied, ‘Share that, and we’ll improvise a bit,’” she reminisced. “He then turned to the boom mic operator and asked, ‘What’s your opinion on this?’ From the back, someone chimed in like enthusiastic Muppets, ‘Yes, that’s a fantastic idea!’ They were all supportive. And that’s what you see in the episode.”

Billings noted that Dane fighting for her character to have that significant moment “changed everything for me.”

“There was absolutely no obligation for him to do that. It had nothing to do with him,” she added. “Time is money, especially in television. Eric Dane was one of the kindest, most compassionate individuals I’ve ever worked alongside. I could count on one hand the times I left a set feeling, ‘I can’t believe that just happened’ or ‘That was remarkable.’ And that was one of those instances. Eric Dane demonstrated to everyone on that set what a true ally embodies. It’s more than just words.”

As she fought back tears, Billings continued, “An ally is present even when there’s risk involved. That’s what Eric Dane did. I didn’t know him well. But I absolutely felt a connection. He will be missed. And something I didn’t have a chance to say to him: Thank you, Eric. Thank you. From all of us.”

Earlier this week, Patrick Dempsey remarked on the challenge of articulating the impact Dane’s passing had on him.

“He was the most humorous individual — a joy to collaborate with, and I want to remember him in that light. Every time he was on set, he brought immense fun,” Dempsey reflected. “He had a sharp wit. Working with him was seamless. We developed an instant rapport. My first scene involved him making a grand entrance, towel-clad, looking incredible, making me feel entirely unfit and insignificant.”

“We connected because there was never any sense of competition,” he elaborated. “There was a wonderful mutual respect; he was remarkably intelligent, and I’ll always cherish those moments of joy we shared and celebrate the happiness he brought into people’s lives. The real loss is for those of us left behind.”

Dane’s family announced on Thursday that he had passed away nearly a year after revealing his ALS diagnosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that deteriorates nerve cells in both the brain and spinal cord, resulting in an ongoing loss of muscle control.

“[Eric] will be sorely missed and will be lovingly remembered always,” his representative stated. “Eric cherished his fans and is forever grateful for the overwhelming love and support he’s received. The family requests privacy as they navigate this challenging time.”

Dane is survived by two daughters, Billie and Georgia, from his marriage to Rebecca Gayheart. A GoFundMe campaign was initiated to support his daughters on Friday, February 21, and has already garnered over $274,000 towards a goal of $500,000.