Kate Walsh Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Late Co-Star Eric Dane After His Death at 53
Kate Walsh is mourning the loss of her longtime Grey’s Anatomy co-star Eric Dane, who passed away on February 19 at age 53 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
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Join NowWalsh, 58, shared an emotional Instagram tribute on February 20, reflecting on their on-screen chemistry and off-screen friendship that spanned nearly two decades.
In her post, Walsh wrote: “I’m at a loss for words to try to express the sadness around Eric’s passing. First and foremost I am thinking of his girls and Rebecca and holding them in my prayers and my heart.”
She recounted their first shared scene—an elevator moment on Grey’s Anatomy—noting it was likely Dane’s debut episode as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan. “He was so handsome and I thought ‘but can this guy act?’ 😂 and of course he could, and did, and the rest is history,” she added with a touch of humor.
Walsh highlighted Dane’s “sensitivity and vulnerability,” intelligence, and “gravitas & old soul” that made his performances magnetic. She described how the intense filming schedule turned the cast into a family, with Dane serving as a constant source of support and love.
The tribute included several throwback photos from their time on set, capturing their playful dynamic as on-screen exes and lovers—Dr. Addison Montgomery (Walsh) and Dr. Mark Sloan (Dane)—whose complicated romance was a fan-favorite storyline in early seasons.
Dane also guest-starred on Walsh’s Grey’s Anatomy spinoff Private Practice, further deepening their professional bond. In recent years, Walsh had spoken about reaching out to Dane amid his ALS diagnosis (publicly announced in early 2025), calling the battle “so painful” in a January 2026 interview. She encouraged fans to support ALS research in his memory, tagging @targetals.
The news of Dane’s death has prompted an outpouring from the Grey’s family, including Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey, and others who shared memories of his talent and warmth. A special tribute is expected in the upcoming episode of Grey’s Anatomy airing February 26.
Walsh’s post has resonated deeply with fans, who flooded the comments with condolences and appreciation for the duo’s iconic pairing. Their collaboration remains one of the most memorable elements of the long-running medical drama.
As the entertainment world remembers Eric Dane, Walsh’s words serve as a poignant reminder of the real connections forged on set—beyond the scripts and spotlights.
