One week after the passing of Eric Dane, “Grey’s Anatomy” honored the late beloved actor in a heartfelt way.
During the Feb. 26 episode of the long-running ABC medical drama, the show aired a 65-second tribute celebrating Dane and his iconic character, Dr. Mark Sloan. According to Variety, the montage closed out the episode and was set to Tommee Profitt and Fleuries’ cover of Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars,” a song long associated with some of the series’ most emotional moments.
The track famously underscored the season 2 finale during Denny Duquette’s storyline and has since become a signature sound for pivotal scenes. This time, it played over a series of Mark Sloan’s most memorable moments, giving fans a powerful look back at McSteamy’s journey.
A Look Back at Mark Sloan’s Legacy
Eric Dane joined “Grey’s Anatomy” in season 2 as plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Sloan, whose affair with Addison Montgomery complicated Derek Shepherd’s marriage and instantly shook up Seattle Grace. What began as scandal quickly turned Mark into one of the show’s most beloved characters, earning Dane a series regular spot in season 3 and a central role through season 8, when Sloan’s storyline concluded after injuries from a devastating plane crash. He later returned for cameo appearances, including the season 17 beach sequence during Meredith Grey’s COVID-19 hallucinations.
The Feb. 26 tribute revisited Mark’s evolution from confident ladies’ man to devoted father and mentor. The montage included his playful “dirty mistresses” remark to Meredith before closing on one of his most powerful lines, spoken to Jackson Avery: “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.”
The late beloved actor passed away on Feb. 19 at age 53 following a battle with ALS. Per Variety, Dane was diagnosed in 2025 and continued working throughout his illness, appearing on NBC’s “Brilliant Minds” and completing season 3 of HBO’s “Euphoria,” which is set to premiere April 12.
Cast and Crew Remember the Late Beloved Actor
In the days after his passing, tributes poured in from the “Grey’s Anatomy” family.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, series creator Shonda Rhimes described Dane as a “beloved member” of the Shondaland family and said his portrayal of Mark Sloan “left an indelible mark on the series and on audiences around the world.”
ABC and 20th Television released a joint statement honoring his “remarkable talent and unforgettable presence” and praising the courage and grace he showed during his ALS battle.
Several co-stars shared personal memories on social media. Kate Walsh reflected on filming their first elevator scene together and praised his sensitivity and support on set. Krista Vernoff remembered his season 17 return and said what she would cherish most were his hugs. Kim Raver called him “a light,” while Sarah Drew wrote that he would be “profoundly missed.”
As Mark Sloan once said, “If you love someone, you tell ’em… You say it loud.”
