R.I.P., Eric Dane: Co-Stars From Grey's Anatomy, Charmed, And Euphoria Recall 'Honor' Of Working With Him

Eric Dane, best known to TV audiences as Dr. Mark "McSteamy" Sloan on ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" and Cal Jacobs on HBO's "Euphoria," died on Thursday, February 19, less than one year after going public with his ALS diagnosis. He was 53.

"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," the actor's reps said in a statement obtained by TVLine. "He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world. Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he's received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time."

In the days following Dane's passing, tributes have been pouring in from those who were lucky enough to work with him. From Patrick Dempsey recalling Dane's infamous "Grey's" arrival, to Alyssa Milano revealing that Dane encouraged her to get that also-infamous pixie cut, it's clear that Dane was more than just a co-star to so many.

Read on for tributes to Dane from his co-stars and fellow creatives from across his extensive TV career, including names from "Grey's Anatomy," "Euphoria," "Charmed," "The Last Ship," and "Countdown."

Patrick Dempsey, who played Dr. Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd on "Grey's," remembered Dane during a February 20 appearance on "The Chris Evans Breakfast Show," saying, "He always made me laugh. He was so funny, had a great sense of humor. He was always great to work with, always very professional, really smart. I hit it off with him immediately."

Reflecting upon Dane's iconic clothing-optional debut on "Grey's," Dempsey recalls, "He comes out in his first scene, he's half dressed, looking like this adonis. And you know, we just had a great time and we laughed about it. I will miss him, as [will] all the fans, but the great thing is that we have him in all his glory on the show so that when you watch it, he's still very much alive."

"Grey's" creator Shonda Rhimes remembers Dane as a "truly a gifted actor whose portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan left an indelible mark on the series and on audiences around the world," adding, "We are grateful for the artistry, spirit, friendship and humanity he shared with us for so many years. Our hearts are with his family, loved ones, and all who were touched by his work."

Former "Grey's" showrunner Krista Vernoff will be forever grateful that Dane was so willing to return to the show for its infamous beach-limbo arc in 2021: "I called Eric and he answered immediately," she recalls. "I said, 'Will you come back? I know it's a pandemic and shooting is a nightmare, but we're gonna do it on the beach and keep our social distance because the world needs joy and Mark and Lexie are joy.' He said, 'Where and when?' When I came to set that day, he said, we're breaking the rules and hugging now right? What I will remember most about Eric Dane are his hugs. The best hugs. Oh my friend. I wish you peace."

Kim Raver, who starred opposite Dane as "Grey's" doc Teddy, wrote: "Eric was a light. 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. My love and thoughts go out to Rebecca and their girls. We love you."

Jessica Capshaw, who played Dr. Arizona Robbins, will always remember the "witty banter, hard truths, big laughs (and cries), and so much of their hearts" that her character shared with Dane's on "Grey's." In an Instagram post, she wrote, "Beneath that confident charm lived a unique softness and a fierce love for his people that was rare and that only Eric could have brought to that character. Eric also had that same fierce and deep love for his family and my heart is with them during this time. May he rest in peace."

Kevin McKidd, who plays fellow "Grey's" doc Owen Hunt, kept it simple. Over a picture of Dane in his scrubs, McKidd wrote in an Instagram story, "Rest in Peace, Buddy." Sarah Drew, who played Dr. April Kepner on "Grey's," shared the same photo in an instagram story, writing, "Rest in peace."

"Euphoria" creator Sam Levinson is "heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric," he said in a statement. "Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift. Eric's family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing."

HBO also released the following statement: "We are deeply saddened by the news of Eric Dane's passing. He was incredibly talented and HBO was fortunate to have worked with him on three seasons of Euphoria. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time."

Alyssa Milano, who was romanced by Dane for multiple seasons on "Charmed," recalled the actor's "razor-sharp sense of humor," saying, "He loved the absurdity of things. He loved catching people off guard. And when it came to his daughters and Rebecca [Gayheart], everything in him softened. He carried them with him even in rooms where they weren't present. You could see it in the way his voice changed when he said their names. ... The spark. The mischief. The tenderness he kept guarded but never totally hidden."

According to Milano, Dane even convinced her to get her infamous pixie cut from the show's sixth season, as well as her nose piercing. "My heart is with the people who were lucky enough to be his home," she added.

Rhona Mitra, who played Dr. Rachel Scott on "The Last Ship," shared a deeply personal tribute, writing: "We all loved you so very much but man, you did not make it easy. I hope your daughters remember the kind and awkward boy I once knew. The one so very few truly got to know. The one that literally scooped me up and saved me when I was lost and out to sea.. forever grateful for that boy. I'll see you when I see you... you tall drink of everything... I will see you when I see you."

Bridget Regan, who co-starred as "Last Ship" intelligence officer Sasha Cooper, wrote: "For the three seasons we spent with you as Captain Tom Chandler, I will always be grateful. Thank you for the memories, and for making me stronger. My deep and sincere condolences."

Fellow "Last Ship" co-star Travis Van Winkle, who played Lieutenant Danny Green, paid his respects accordingly: "I learned so much from Eric. He was a great man. I'm sad to see him go in this way. I'm sending love to his family. Thanks for the memories my friend."

One of Dane's final roles came via Prime Video's "Countdown," on which he played FBI Special Agent Nathan Blythe. The crime drama, which streamed for just one season in 2025, also starred Jensen Ackles, Jessica Camacho, Violett Beane, Elliot Knight, and Uli Latukefu.

"Rest in peace my brother," Ackles wrote in an Instagram post on February 20. "I'll see you down the road." Ackles' post included a carousel of photos from his time with Dane, both at a public event and a sweet behind-the-scenes interview moment.

How will you remember Dane? Drop a comment with your favorite performances from the actor below.