Grey's Anatomy Cast Honor Eric Dane With Tribute After Death

Variety

by Emily Longeretta

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The cast of *Grey’s Anatomy* has paid a heartfelt tribute to Eric Dane following his death on Feb. 19 after a battle with ALS. Known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloane, Dane appeared in over 145 episodes of the ABC medical drama. Colleagues like Kim Raver and Krista Vernoff shared personal reflections, recalling his humor, warmth, and the joy he brought to both the set and his fans. In her Instagram post, Raver highlighted Dane’s “effortless charm” and how his character, Dr. Mark Sloane, became a fan favorite. Vernoff, the show’s executive producer, shared screenshots of a text exchange with Dane from 2021 when he returned for a cameo after leaving the show nine years prior. She remembered their conversation about filming on a beach during the pandemic and how Dane embraced the opportunity to bring joy back to *Grey’s Anatomy*. Vernoff also reflected on his hugs, calling them “the best,” and expressed her deep sadness over his passing. Dane first joined *Grey’s Anatomy* in Season 2 as a guest star but quickly became a series regular. His character, known for his charm and humor, was one of creator Shonda Rhimes’ favorite to write. Although he made his final on-screen appearance in Season 9 when Mark died after a plane crash, Dane returned in a 2021 episode as part of Meredith’s dream sequence. This marked a special moment for fans, as it allowed them to see their beloved character one last time. The *Grey’s Anatomy* team expressed their collective grief over his passing. ABC and 20th Television released a statement praising Dane’s talent and the lasting impact he had on audiences worldwide. His courage in battling ALS and his grace during

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Originally published on Variety on 2/20/2026