Grey’s Anatomy star Kate Walsh pays tribute to his former love interest on screen, Eric Daneafter his death.
Writing on his Instagram on Friday, February 20, Walsh paid tribute to his expenses after his death on Thursday at the age of 53 following a battle with ALS.
“I am at a loss for words to try to express the sadness of Eric’s passing,” wrote Walsh, 58, alongside a collection of photos featuring Dane, himself and his colleagues. Gray the members were fired.
The actress began her tribute by sending her condolences to Dane’s daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14 and the mother of his children, Rebecca Gayheart.
“First I am thinking of his girls and Rebecca and holding them in my prayers and in my heart,” Walsh wrote.
Walsh played Dr. Addison Montgomery in the medical drama. His character’s love affair with Dane’s character Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan was a huge part of the show’s early seasons.
In his tribute, Walsh reflected on his memories of being shot alongside Dane as he praised his true personality.
“I really remember my first scene with Eric…the elevator scene in Seattle Grays 😊 So, it was a long time ago. I believe it was his first episode on the show and he was nervous. He was so good and I thought ‘but can he do this guy?’ 😂 and of course he knew, and he did, and the rest is history,” Walsh wrote.
Eric Dane and Kate Walsh.
(Photo by Vivian Zink/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)He continued, “One of the things I loved about Eric was his sensitivity and vulnerability, (and wisdom, of course) but he had a gravitas and an old soul that made his work magnetic and made him a great friend. In those early days gray, like most TV shows, we spent more time together than anyone else so we became a family of sorts and Eric was such a source of support and love.”
Walsh concluded the post by urging his followers to help organizations trying to find a cure for the debilitating disease.
“ALS is a terrible disease and many people have lost loved ones to it. I know it was Eric’s mission to help find a cure. I would encourage you to look @targetals in his memory. 🕊️,” he wrote.
Dane’s family confirmed in a statement on Thursday that Euphoria The star died following a battle with ALS.
“He spent his last days surrounded by his dear friends, his devoted wife and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” the statement read. “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference to others facing the same battle. He will always be deeply missed and fondly remembered.”
The statement concluded: “Eric loved his fans and is forever grateful for the love and support he has received. The family has requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time.”
Dane appeared Grey’s Anatomy from 2006 to 2012 before returning to an unpredictable view in 2021.
He publicly announced that he was diagnosed with ALS with People in April 2025.
