Grey’s Anatomy Cast Responds to Eric Dane’s Passing at 53 Following ALS Struggle
The Grey’s Anatomy cast and crew are heartbroken over the passing of their coworker Eric Dane, who has died at the age of 53.
His family announced on Thursday, February 19, that Dane succumbed to ALS after a courageous fight.
“He spent his last days surrounded by beloved friends, his dedicated wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were his whole world,” the statement read. “During his battle with ALS, Eric became an impassioned advocate for awareness and research, wanting to make a difference for others in similar situations. He will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered.”
The statement wrapped up: “Eric cherished his fans and is eternally grateful for the immense love and support he has received. The family requests privacy during this unimaginable period.”
Before his passing, Dane became a well-known figure playing Dr. Mark Sloan on ABC’s acclaimed medical drama. He starred on the show from 2006 to 2012, making a surprise return in 2021.
Dane also appeared on HBO’s Euphoria as the father of Jacob Elordi. He revealed his ALS diagnosis shortly before season 3 filming commenced. (He also starred in Countdown and had a guest role on Brilliant Minds while battling the illness.)
“I have been diagnosed with ALS,” he stated in an April 2025 release. “I’m grateful to have my loving family with me as we navigate this next chapter. I feel fortunate to continue working and eagerly anticipate returning to the set of Euphoria next week. I respectfully ask for privacy for my family and me during this time.”
Recently, Dane expressed feeling “angry” about his situation. “Very much so. I’m frustrated because my father was taken from me at a young age, and now there’s a strong chance I might be taken from my girls while they’re still young,” he shared on Good Morning America in June 2025, referring to his daughters with Rebecca Gayheart. “At the end of the day, all I really want is to spend time with my family and work a little if I can.”
Dane credited his neurologist with providing hope regarding the progression of his condition.
“I would have expected to be the kind of person who hid under the sheets, but that hasn’t been my experience,” Dane told Extra about Dr. Merit Cudkowicz in July 2025. “My attitude and spirit have remained quite buoyant. I’m just kind of going with it. Not every day has been great, but overall, I have a pretty good life.”
Continue scrolling for heartfelt tributes from the Grey’s Anatomy cast and crew to their late friend:
Patrick Dempsey
“I woke up this morning to the sad news. It’s difficult to express. My heart breaks for his children,” Dempsey, 60, stated on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin Radio U.K. on February 20. “We had been texting, and I spoke to him about a week ago, and some friends visited him. His ability to speak was diminishing rapidly, and he was bedridden; it was heartbreaking to see his quality of life deteriorate so quickly.”
“He was the funniest person—such a joy to work with, and I want to remember him that way because he always brought fun to the set,” he continued. “His sense of humor was wonderful. We clicked right away. Our first scene was him, in all his glory, stepping out of the bathroom with just a towel, looking stunning, making everyone feel totally out of shape.”
Kevin McKidd
Kevin McKidd, who has played Dr. Owen Hunt since 2008, shared a photo of Eric Dane as McSteamy in his Instagram Stories, writing, “Rest in peace, buddy.”
Sarah Drew
In a similar vein, Sarah Drew, who portrayed Dr. April Kepner from 2009 to 2022, reshared the same image of Eric Dane that Kevin McKidd posted.
In her Instagram Stories post, Drew wrote, “Rest in peace,” followed by three crying emojis.
Krista Vernoff
Former Grey’s Anatomy showrunner Krista Vernoff shared a text message exchange with Eric Dane along with a heartfelt caption.
The messages were exchanged when Vernoff invited Dane to reprise his role as Mark “McSteamy” Sloan for a dream scene in Grey’s season 17 alongside his love interest Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh). Both characters had been killed off in earlier seasons.
“I called Eric, and he answered right away,” Vernoff recalled in the caption. “I said, ‘Will you return? I know it’s a pandemic and filming is tough, but we’ll do it on the beach and keep socially distant because the world needs joy, and Mark and Lexie bring that.’ He immediately agreed to the where and when. On the set that day, he said, ‘We’re breaking the rules and hugging now, right?’”
She continued, “The thing I’ll always remember about Eric Dane is his hugs. The best hugs. Oh my friend. I wish you peace.”
Kim Raver
“Eric was a light. You could see it shining effortlessly on the set of Grey’s and when he was with Rebecca and the girls,” Kim Raver shared via Instagram. “While filming, he’d get a sparkle in his eye and with a playful look, he’d deliver such hilarious lines with perfect timing. You will be missed 🤍.”
“My thoughts and love are with Rebecca and their daughters. We love you,” Raver added.
James Pickens Jr.
“Rest in peace 🙏,” James Pickens Jr., who portrays Richard Webber, captioned an Instagram Stories photo of Dane as Mark Sloan.
Shonda Rhimes
“Eric Dane was a cherished part of the Shondaland and Grey’s Anatomy families,” creator Shonda Rhimes stated in a release. “He was a truly talented actor whose representation of Dr. Mark Sloan left a lasting impact on the show and on audiences worldwide.”
She continued: “We are thankful for the artistry, spirit, friendship, and humanity he shared with us over the years. Our hearts go out to his family, loved ones, and all touched by his work.”
Camilla Luddington
Camilla Luddington, who joined Grey’s Anatomy in season 9 after Eric Dane’s departure, wrote her own tribute following his death.
“Although I never had the chance to work with Eric Dane, I walk the halls that carry his character’s name every week,” she noted in her Instagram Stories. “Eric’s legacy on our show and its fans is undeniable. An unforgettable talent who will always be remembered. My heart is with his family. ALS needs more funding, more research, and more urgency. I’m sharing a link below to support.”
Jessica Capshaw
Jessica Capshaw, who portrayed Dr. Arizona Robbins on the popular show, expressed her deep sorrow over her late co-star.
“I am heartbroken at Eric Dane’s passing. For five seasons, Arizona and Mark shared witty exchanges, profound truths, hearty laughs (and tears), and countless heartfelt moments,” she shared via Instagram with a photo of their characters. “Beneath that confident exterior was a rare softness and a fierce love for his family that only Eric could bring to that role.”
Capshaw continued, “Eric shared that same fierce love for his family, and my heart is with them during this difficult time. May he rest in peace…🕊️.”
Debbie Allen
“Our beloved brother Eric Dane has ascended into the Light, leaving us with cherished memories of his strong presence on and off the screen,” Debbie Allen wrote via Instagram. “Loved by millions as McSteamy, we will always remember him with joy, courage, and love. RIP, my brother. 🥲🥲❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻.”
Kate Walsh
Kate Walsh, who portrayed Dr. Addison Montgomery, a romantic interest of Eric Dane’s Mark “McSteamy” Sloan, reflected on her memories filming with the late actor.
“I vividly remember my very first scene with Eric…an elevator moment at Seattle Grace. It was so long ago, and I believe it was his first scene as well, which made him a bit nervous. He was undeniably handsome, and I thought, ‘But can this guy act?’ Of course, he could, and he did, and the rest is history,” Walsh noted in an Instagram tribute.
She continued, “What I cherished about Eric was his sensitivity, vulnerability, and intelligence. He possessed a depth and wisdom that made his performances magnetic and made him a wonderful friend off set. Early in Grey’s, as is common with network TV shows, we spent more time together than with anyone else, creating a family of sorts, and Eric was a fantastic source of support and love.”
T.R. Knight
“Eric, your generosity and humor will always guide us; your courage and honesty will serve as a beacon,” T.R. Knight, who played George O’Malley, expressed via Instagram on February 21. “My heart is part of the vast circle that surrounds you and holds you dear.”
Chyler Leigh
Chyler Leigh portrayed Lexie Gray, Mark Sloan’s on-and-off girlfriend on Grey’s Anatomy.
“The last 48 hours have been incredibly tough,” Leigh stated in a statement to E! News on February 21. “I never thought I’d be saying ‘had’ or ‘was’, but here we are, and it pains me. Eric had a heart of gold. His laughter was infectious. He was a deeply intelligent person who could engage in philosophical discussions for hours while on set. He was an extraordinary father and loved his girls DEEPLY. He was incredibly passionate about his work and the causes he held dear.”
She concluded, “The Universe is undoubtedly cradling Eric now, just as I will continue to cherish him in my heart forever.”
Katherine Heigl
“I pondered this post for days. Public grieving has never felt comfortable for me. I usually share my emotions, stories, and memories only with those closest to me or sometimes just keep them between me and the heavens,” Katherine Heigl, who played Izzie Stevens, shared via Instagram on February 22. “Yet that silence can often seem like indifference, which I couldn’t accept here. Rebecca, Billie, Georgia… There are few, if any, words that encapsulate a tragic loss like yours. All the ‘I’m sorrys’ and ‘my prayers are with you’ feel lacking amid such deep pain and sorrow.”
She added, “Therefore, I will share the one thing that has always brought me peace in the face of loss. It’s Robert Frost’s poem ‘Nothing Gold Can Stay’—the words are tattooed on my body in my parents’ handwriting, a reminder of the worth of golden moments. ‘Nature’s first green is gold, her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf’s a flower; but only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, so dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay.’ I will always remember Eric’s gold, and I will be forever thankful for having basked in it, even for a fleeting moment. Thank you for sharing him with us. Godspeed, my old friend. Here’s to your next great adventure.”
