Eric Dane passed away on Thursday, a day that coincided with an important milestone in his acting career.
The former Grey’s Anatomy star was 53 when he died, marking exactly 20 years since he first appeared as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on the long-running ABC medical drama. Dane’s death came roughly 10 months after he publicly disclosed his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The role of McSteamy became Dane’s signature, earning him widespread recognition during the seven seasons he inhabited the character. His on-screen life ended in the show’s ninth season when Sloan was killed in a plane crash.
On Friday morning, Dane’s longtime colleague from Grey’s Anatomy, Patrick Dempsey, spoke about his friend and former castmate during an interview with Virgin Radio UK.
Dempsey said he was at a loss for words and expressed deep sorrow for Dane’s children — daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14 — who he shared with his wife, Rebecca Gayheart. He recalled speaking with Dane about a week before his passing and said friends who had visited the actor more recently reported a swift and severe decline: Dane was reportedly losing his ability to speak, was largely confined to bed and having difficulty swallowing.
Remembering Dane’s personality on set, Dempsey described him as hilariously funny and a true joy to work with. He said Dane always brought energy and lightness to the set, and that their rapport was immediate. Dempsey pointed to Dane’s very first scene — the memorable moment when his character emerged from a bathroom wrapped in a towel — as an early indicator of the charisma that made audiences notice him, joking that it left him feeling out of shape and somewhat overshadowed.
Dempsey emphasized that their relationship was rooted in mutual respect rather than rivalry, praising Dane’s sharp intellect and the many pleasant memories they shared. He said he wants to remember Dane for the laughter and happiness he brought into people’s lives, noting that the profound absence will be felt by those who loved him.
Dempsey also acknowledged Dane’s advocacy around ALS, calling attention to the disease’s devastating effects and urging people to value each day. He framed Dane’s battle and passing as a reminder to cherish time with family, show kindness, and be of service to others amid a world often filled with crisis and sorrow.
Dane’s family announced his death and asked for privacy as they grieved. In a statement reported by the Associated Press, they said he spent his final days surrounded by close friends, his devoted wife and his two daughters, who were the center of his life.
The family’s statement also noted that throughout his fight with ALS, Dane became a fervent campaigner for greater awareness and research, determined to help others facing similar struggles. They said he will be dearly missed and remembered with love, and that he appreciated his fans and the outpouring of support he received.
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