One week after the passing of beloved actor Eric Dane, the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy delivered a deeply emotional tribute to the star during its latest episode. Dane, who portrayed the fan-favorite character Dr. Mark 'McSteamy' Sloan from 2006 to 2009, was honored with a poignant 65-second montage that aired on Thursday, celebrating his memorable journey on the show.
A Moving Montage Set to Iconic Music
The tribute opened with Mark Sloan's earliest appearances, including scenes where he humorously referred to himself and Meredith Grey as the 'dirty mistresses.' The montage was set to the song 'Chasing Cars' by Snow Patrol, a track that became iconic after its original use in Grey's Anatomy, adding a layer of nostalgia and emotion to the visual tribute.
Powerful Voiceover from Mark Sloan
A particularly moving moment featured Mark's advice to Jackson Avery, delivered from his deathbed in a voiceover that resonated with viewers. The lines, 'If you love someone, you tell 'em, even if you're scared that it's not the right thing. Even if you're scared that it will burn your life to the ground, you say it. You say it loud,' served as a heartfelt reminder of the character's impact and Dane's powerful performance.
Eric Dane's Journey on Grey's Anatomy
Eric Dane joined the cast of Grey's Anatomy in Season 2, playing Mark Sloan, a charismatic plastic surgeon and ladies' man nicknamed McSteamy. As the best friend of Derek Shepherd, Mark quickly became a popular character, leading Dane to become a series regular in Season 3. His character met a tragic end during Season 8 after a plane crash involving several hospital doctors.
Despite his character's death, Dane made several return appearances on the show. Most notably, he appeared in Season 19 when Meredith Grey, played by Ellen Pompeo, experienced hallucinations from COVID-19, and characters who had died on the show visited her in those sequences.
Eric Dane's Health Battle and Legacy
In 2025, Eric Dane was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. He passed away at the age of 53 on February 19, 2025. News of his death prompted an outpouring of tributes from his Grey's Anatomy colleagues, including creator Shonda Rhimes, Katherine Heigl, and Kate Walsh.
Remarkably, despite his terminal illness, Dane continued to work in the entertainment industry. He portrayed an ALS patient in NBC's series 'Brilliant Minds' and completed filming for Season 3 of HBO's 'Euphoria,' in which he played the character Cal Jacobs. His dedication to his craft and his courageous battle with ALS have left a lasting impression on fans and colleagues alike.
A Lasting Impact on Television
Eric Dane's portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan remains one of the most memorable characters in Grey's Anatomy history. The tribute montage not only honored his contributions to the show but also celebrated his resilience and talent as an actor. As the Grey's Anatomy community and fans worldwide mourn his loss, his legacy continues through the powerful scenes and characters he brought to life on screen.
