Eric Dane starred in seven seasons of Grey’s Anatomy before his character, Mark Sloan, was killed in a fatal plane crash.
Dane joined the ABC medical drama in season 2 of 2006 as plastic surgeon Mark Sloan.
“I’M so proud [my career]. Everything has brought me to where I am today,” Dane recalled Popular Last Names interview, which premiered on Netflix hours after his death in February 2026. “There was a lot of experience there. Life experience, personal, professional. I think that when I tried to be good and approached the craft with some effort and focus that I was able to do a very good job.”
Dane appeared Gray in season 9, where his character died after being injured in a private plane crash. Keep scrolling to find out more about Dane’s Grey’s Anatomy trip:
Why Eric Dane Was Written Out of the Show
Eric Dane said in a 2024 episode of the “Armchair Expert” podcast that he was “let go” from the medical series.
“I think I was let go,” he said, stressing that his departure was not because he entered a treatment center in 2011 for his drug use. “It didn’t help at all. I was starting to be a group, as most of these actors who spent a lot of time on the show, you’re starting to pay more for the network.”
Dane continued, “The network knows that this show is going to do what it’s going to do regardless of who it’s going to be with, as long as they have their Grey’s and they’re fine.
Dane reiterated that show creator Shonda Rhimes “It was really good” for him to come out.
“He protected us painfully, he protected us in public, he protected us in private,” he admitted. But maybe I was fired, it wasn’t a habit of saying, ‘You’re fired,’ it was more like, ‘You’re not coming back.’
What Eric Dane Thought About His Final Scenes of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
““I think they did a good job moving,” said Eric Dane AOL Build Series interview in 2017. “I had a great time with [everyone, and I am] Shonda is still friends to this day.”
Eric Dane Says ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Helped His Fitness
Eric Dane had a history of substance abuse problems before joining Grey’s Anatomy.
“I’m not good at having too much time on my hands,” said Dane Popular Last Nameswhich was distributed posthumously. “I need a building once [Grey’s Anatomy] you gave me a lot of makeup. When the writers’ strike ended, I had months off and found my way back to drugs and alcohol. I knew better because at that time I had been drinking alcohol for about nine years, so I knew better.”
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Cast and Crew React to Eric Dane’s Death
Eric Dane died in February 2026 at the age of 53 following a battle with ALS. The series’ production company, as well as the cast and crew have all since offered their condolences.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Eric Dane,” a statement from ABC and 20th Television read. “His incredible talent and unforgettable presence on Grey’s Anatomy left a lasting impact on audiences around the world, and his courage and kindness during his battle with ALS inspired so many.
Dane is survived by his two daughters who lived with him Rebecca Gayheart.
If you or someone you know has a substance abuse problem, contact the National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
