The season 22 finale of Grey’s Anatomy found a subtle way to pay tribute to late star Eric Dane.
During the Thursday, May 7, episode of the show, Owen (Kevin McKidd) and Teddy (Kim Raver) prepared to leave Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. This led to flashbacks of their time at the hospital over the years — with multiple clips featuring Dane as Dr. Mark Sloan.
“Yeah, it was very intentional we did that,” McKidd, 52, told People of the heartfelt moment.
McKidd, who left the series after playing Owen since 2008, reflected on the time he spent with Dane, who died earlier this year.
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Cast Reacts to Eric Dane’s Death at Age 53
“I met Mark Sloan [Dane] and Derek Shepherd [Patrick Dempsey] at the elevators with Richard Webber [James Pickens Jr.]. I was terrified — it was such a huge show,” he recalled. “[But they] were so welcoming to me.”
He added: “These were two sort of giants in the TV world at that time, and I’m this new guy showing up on the show — the Scottish theater actor.”
McKidd recalled Dempsey introducing him to Dane, adding, “I think Patrick liked me, so he was very welcoming to me. I remember he introduced me to Eric and basically vouched for me. Eric was really funny. He had one of the funniest, driest senses of humor that I’d ever come across.”
While looking back at his early days on set, McKidd praised Dane as a coworker.
“He had that amazing ability with that character to make everything kind of hilarious,” he continued. “He’s missed. He will always be part of the Grey’s family.”
Looking Back at Eric Dane’s ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Exit and Character’s Death
Dane originally joined the show in season 2. Despite only being in one episode that season, Dane stole hearts as Mark — a.k.a. McSteamy — and he remained a fan-favorite character until his exit in 2012.
In April 2025, Dane announced that he was diagnosed with ALS, which is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and has no cure. He died one year later at age 53.
McKidd released a statement after Dane’s tragic death, which read, “Rest in peace buddy.”
Executive producer Shonda Rhimes also honored Dane in a tribute.
“Eric Dane was a beloved member of the Shondaland and Grey’s Anatomy families,” she wrote in February. “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.”
She continued: “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.”
Grey’s Anatomy is streaming on Hulu.
