Katherine Heigl is mourning the loss of her former co-star and friend, sharing an emotional tribute after the death of Eric Dane, who passed away following a public battle with ALS.
The actress, who worked with Dane on “Grey’s Anatomy,” posted a heartfelt message on Instagram alongside a photo of the two together.
Heigl’s Touching Post
She admitted she struggled with whether to post publicly but ultimately felt she needed to speak.
“I debated this post for days. I have never been comfortable grieving publicly,” Heigl wrote. “I share my tears, my stories and my memories with those I’m closest to and more times than not I share them only with the heavens alone. But that silence can often look like a lack of care which I could not abide here.”
Heigl, who starred as Izzie Stevens while Dane played Dr. Mark Sloan, reflected on the loss his family is facing.
She addressed Dane’s loved ones directly in her message.
“Rebecca, Billie, Georgia… There is so little, if in fact anything, one can say about a tragic loss like yours. All the ‘I’m sorries’ and ‘my prayers are with you’ ring a bit hollow in the midst of so much pain and grief,” she wrote.
The actress also shared a poem by Robert Frost that has comforted her in the past, before ending her tribute with a deeply personal farewell.
“I will never forget Eric’s gold and I will forever be grateful I got to bask in it for even a brief moment in time,” she concluded.
Heigl added, “Thank you for sharing him with us. God Speed my old friend…here’s to your next great adventure.”
Tributes Pour In
Heigl wasn’t the only member of the “Grey’s Anatomy” family to honor Dane.
Series creator Shonda Rhimes also posted a message remembering the actor’s impact on the show and its fans.
“Eric Dane was a beloved member of the Shondaland and Grey’s Anatomy families. 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,” Rhimes wrote. “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.”
Dane’s portrayal of Mark Sloan — affectionately known as “McSteamy” — made him a fan favorite and helped define some of the show’s most memorable seasons.
Now, as tributes continue to pour in, Heigl’s words capture what many colleagues and fans are feeling: grief for the loss of a talented actor and gratitude for the legacy he leaves behind.
