Eric Dane’s acting career was not just limited to his role as Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy.
While the late star will definitely be remembered for playing McSteamy from 2006 to 2021, Dane had a solid amount of TV credits under his belt long before nabbing his role in the ABC drama.
Dane’s television debut came in 1991 while playing Tad Pogue in one episode of Saved by the Bell. He had a series of one-episode stints on a few other shows in the 1990s before being cast as Dr. Wyatt Cooper on Gideon’s Crossing. He also appeared on Charmed before the role of Mark Sloan came to fruition.
News of Dane’s death broke in February 2026. The actor died at age 53 following a battle with ALS.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” his family confirmed in a statement to Us Weekly at the time. “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”
Photos of Eric Dane Through the Years: From ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to ALS Battle
The statement continued, “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
In the wake of his death, fans have found comfort in one of Mark Sloan’s most memorable moments from Grey’s Anatomy.
“If you love someone, you tell them. Even if you’re scared that it’s not the right thing. Even if you’re scared that it’ll cause problems,” the character told Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) during season 9. “Even if you’re scared that it will burn your life to the ground, you say it, and you say it loud and you go from there.”
Keep scrolling to look back at Dane’s most iconic roles from his career:
‘Saved by the Bell’
Dane appeared as Tad Pogue in one episode, titled “The Game.” He played Leah Remini’s character Stacey Carosi’s ex-boyfriend during season 3, which aired in 1991. The role marked Dane’s onscreen acting debut.
‘Charmed’
Dane nabbed a recurring role as Eric Dean, the owner of The Bay Mirror newspaper, on Charmed. The nine-episode stint throughout seasons 5 and 6 also had Dane in an onscreen romance with Alyssa Milano’s character, Phoebe Halliwell.
‘Grey’s Anatomy’
The actor made his Grey’s Anatomy debut as Mark Sloan during season 2, which aired in 2006. He held the role as Seattle-Grace’s hot plastic surgeon until the character’s death in season 9, which aired in 2012. Dane made one more appearance on the show in 2021 during season 17.
Dane’s death came on the 20th anniversary of his first appearance on the ABC drama.
‘Valentine’s Day’
In 2010, Dane became a fan favorite in the Valentine’s Day ensemble cast. He played Sean Jackson, a closeted professional football player who comes out at the end of the film with a rather memorable line: “I’m gay and I’m gonna play.”
‘Burlesque’
The late 2000s brought a bunch of hits for Dane’s career. He played Marcus Gerber in the 2010 movie Burlesque, a wealthy clubgoer who becomes fascinated with Christina Aguilera‘s character, Ali.
‘Euphoria’
HBO’s breakout show Euphoria had Dane as Cal Jacobs, who lived a double life throughout the series despite being a strict father to son Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi). The show’s second season gave Cal a queer backstory, offering more depth to someone seen as a villain on the show. Dane will appear posthumously in the upcoming third season.
‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reunited for the 2024 film, which also featured Dane as James McGrath, a former U.S. Army Ranger who became a criminal.
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Cast Reacts to Eric Dane’s Death at Age 53
‘Brilliant Minds’
Dane channeled his real-life health struggle into his role as Michael, a firefighter with ALS, on a November 2025 episode of the NBC medical drama.
‘Family Secrets’
Dane’s last movie will be released posthumously, but details have yet to be revealed.
