Grey’s Anatomy lost one of its own today. Eric Dane, one of the venerable ABC medical drama’s most popular cast members, died Feb. 19 at the age of 53 after battle with ALS.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Eric Dane,” the network and series producer 20th Television said in a joint statement Thursday night. “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.
Grey’s Anatomy is expected to pay tribute to Dane in the upcoming episode next week when the medical drama returns after a break.
Introduced as a guest star in Season 2, Dane became a series regular the following season, playing the beloved character of Mark Sloan aka “McSteamy.” He remained on the show until the Season 9 premiere when Mark, along with Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh), died as a result of the plane crash in the Season 8 finale. The characters’ presence has remained on the show, as Seattle Grace Mercy West was subsequently renamed Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in their memory.
Longtime Grey’s Anatomy cast member Kevin McKidd, who co-starred alongside Dane for four seasons, posted a photo of Dane from his time on the show with the caption, “Rest In Peace Buddy…”
Fellow veteran Grey’s cast member Kim Raver, who spent three seasons on the show with Dane, also remembered the late actor on Instagram.
“Eric was a light,” she wrote next to an episodic image of the two of them on Grey’s and a red carpet photo of her, Dane and his wife Rebecca Gayheart. “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.”
(Excerpt) Read more in: Deadline