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‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Star Trevor Jackson Details Eric Dane’s Impact on Series
The Grey’s Anatomy family will always hold Eric Dane close.
More than a week since the 53-year-old died following a battle with ALS, his Grey’s family, including the stars behind next generation of TV doctors, has detailed the legacy he left behind.
Though he never met Eric, Trevor Jackson, who joined in season 21, watched his time as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan, telling E! News at the NAACP Image Awards Feb. 28, “He's such a charismatic guy. He’s definitely somebody that I admired when I watched the show.”
“I'm praying for his family,” the 29-year-old continued. “He did amazing work.”
After all, Eric was a beloved member of the Grey’s Anatomy crew—and Trevor said that love can still be felt all around the show.
“It's such a legendary show with such amazing people,” he continued. “That literally is my favorite part of being on that show is the energy on set from everybody—from the cast, the crew. It's just a lot of love in the room, and that's all you can ask when you go to work.”
Trevor is now just one of the many celebrities and Grey’s Anatomy family members to pay tribute to Eric following his heartbreaking passing on Feb. 19.
In fact, the show itself shared a montage of Dr. Sloan’s best moments on the series at the end of the Feb. 26 episode. Among the highlights included were his friendship with Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez), his time as part of the plastics posse with Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) and, of course, his romance with Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh).
Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET
On the latter, the video tribute included one of Mark’s most beloved lines: “If you love someone, tell them. Even if you’re scared that it’s not the right thing. Even if you're scared that it'll cause problems. Even if you’re scared it’ll burn your life to the ground, you say it. You say it loud and you go from there.”
And indeed, his former onscreen love Chyler reflected on her time working with Eric after the news of his death, which she described as “devastating.”
Photo by Scott Garfield/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
“Eric had a heart of gold,” Chyler shared in a statement with E! News Feb. 21. “His humor and, especially, his laugh was infectious. He was a deeply intelligent man who could carry a philosophical conversation for hours even while we were on set. He was an amazing father and loved his girls FIERCELY. Incredibly passionate about his work and the causes he kept close to his heart.”
She continued, “The Universe is undoubtedly holding Eric now, just as I will continue to do within my heart forever.”
For more of the ways Eric has been honored following his passing, read on.
--Reporting by Sharon Carpenter
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Sydney Sweeney
The Euphoria actress shared a clip from Eric's Netflix Famous Last Words episode adding, "Forever will love you."
Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
Shonda Rhimes
"Eric Dane was a beloved member of the Shondaland and Grey’s Anatomy families," Shonda wrote in a Feb. 20 Instagram post. "He was truly a gifted actor whose portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan left an indelible mark on the series and on audiences around the world.
"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."
Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
Patrick Dempsey
The Grey's Anatomy alum remembered his former costar during an appearance on Virgin Radio UK.
"He was the funniest man," Patrick shared. "He's such a joy to work with, and I want to just remember him in that spirit. Anytime he was on set, he brought so much fun to it. He had a great sense of humor. He was easy to work with. We got along instantly. His first scene was him in all his glory coming out of the bathroom with a towel on looking amazing, making me feel completely out of shape and insignificant."
Broadimage/Shutterstock
Krista Vernoff
The Grey's Anatomy showrunner, pictured with star Debbie Allen, shared a story of getting Eric back for a season 19 episode during the pandemic to honor his legacy.
"I called Eric and he answered immediately," she recalled in an Instagram post. "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."
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Aimee Lou Wood
The White Lotus star showed her condolences by sharing the news of Eric's death to her Instagram Story, along with a sad emoji and heartbreak emoji.
Instagram/Paula Marshall
Paula Marshall
Eric's Euphoria costar, who played his wife, shared a sweet selfie of the pair to her Instagram story adding, "RIP MR. DANE."
ABC
Kim Raver
"Eric was a light," Kim, who was one of Eric's brief love interests on Grey's Anatomy, wrote in a tribute on Instagram. "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."
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Camilla Luddington
While her time on Grey's Anatomy did not overlap with Eric, the actress shared in a tribute, "I walk the halls with his character's name on them every week."
"Eric's impact on our show and its fans is irrefutable," she wrote in an Instagram Story Feb. 20. "An unforgettable talent who will never be forgotten. My heart is with his family."
Monica Schipper/WireImage
Paul Walter Hauser
The I, Tonya actor—who costarred alongside Eric in the 2023 film Americana—reflected on his friendship with the Grey's Anatomy actor.
"We tried to book gigs, we tried to laugh at the pain and we tried to stay sober," Paul wrote on Instagram. "I’m glad we got to play together in Americana."
He added, "I love you, man. I wish we had more time. Enjoy the arms of Father God. I’ll see you again."
Astrida Valigorsky/Getty Images
Maria Shriver
The journalist shared she was "heartbroken" by the "devastating news" of Eric's death.
"He was so heroic the way he handled his diagnosis," she wrote on X." He used his voice to let the world know what it was like living with ALS."
She added of his upcoming memoir, being published under her imprint, "He told me he wanted his family to know how much he loved them, and he wanted to leave them a story they could be proud of."
Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images
Selma Blair
The Cruel Intentions actress—who worked with Dane on the ‘90s show Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane—offered her condolences by tagging the late actor in an Instagram Story and writing, “I love you. And yours.”
Alexandra Wyman/WireImage
Ashton Kutcher
The That '70s Show actor reflected on the fun he had in a Fantasy Football league with Eric, writing on X, "The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane. We know you’ll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS."
Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO
Sam Levinson
The Euphoria creator shared that his friendship with Dane—who played Cal Jacobs on the HBO series—was “a gift” following his tragic passing.
“I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric,” he said in a statement to Variety. “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.”
ABC/Mike Rosenthal
James Pickens Jr.
The Grey's Anatomy star shared the news of his former costar's death to his Instagram Story Feb. 19, writing "Rest in Peace."
David Buchan/Shutterstock
Sarah Drew
Also a Grey's Anatomy costar of Eric's, Sarah added the news to her Instagram Story along with several crying emojis, writing "Rest in peace."
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Nina Dobrev
“Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Eric,” his Redeeming Love costar wrote on her Instagram Stories alongside a picture on set with him. “He was warm, generous, prepared, and so passionate about what he did. He led with kindness and made everyone on our set feel seen.”
She added, “ALS is a cruel and unforgiving disease. May his memory inspire more research, awareness, and progress toward a cure. He will be deeply missed.”
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Alyssa Milano
The Charmed actress commemorated her friendship with Eric, who played her onscreen love interest on the show.
"I can’t stop seeing that spark in Eric’s eye right before he’d say something that would either make you spit out your drink or rethink your entire perspective," she wrote on Instagram. "He had a razor-sharp sense of humor. He loved the absurdity of things. He loved catching people off guard."
And she credited him with her daring 2003 look.
"He convinced me to get my pixie cut and my nose piercing," Alyssa continued. "He also was with me on the walk when we found Lucy, my beloved rescue chihuahua. He called me 'Milano,' as if it was the only part of my name that mattered."
She concluded, "My heart is with the people who were lucky enough to be his home."
Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Kevin McKidd
The Grey’s Anatomy alum—who played Owen Hunt opposite Dane’s Dr. Mark "McSteamy" Sloan on the ABC medical drama—shared a photo of his costar to Instagram Stories along with the caption, “Rest in peace buddy.”
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Phaedra Parks
The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum remembered Eric’s moniker on Grey’s Anatomy, writing on Instagram, “Sweet baby Jesus not McSteamy Lord.”
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