Chyler Leigh Reflects on Eric Dane’s Kindness in Grey’s Anatomy
Hollywood is in mourning following the death of Eric Dane, known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on *Grey’s Anatomy*. Chyler Leigh, who portrayed Dane’s love interest, Lexie Grey, expressed her condolences in a heartfelt statement.
Leigh, who played Lexie on the ABC medical drama from 2007 to 2012, remarked that she will carry Dane “within my heart forever” after his passing at the age of 53 on Thursday. His death followed an ALS diagnosis received the previous year.
“The last 48 hours have been devastating,” Leigh stated in an interview with E! News. “I never thought I would be using the term ‘had or was,’ but here we are. And I hate it.”
She further described Dane as having “a heart of gold,” highlighting his infectious humor and laugh. “He was a deeply intelligent man who could carry a philosophical conversation for hours even while we were on set. He was an amazing father and loved his girls fiercely. Incredibly passionate about his work and the causes he kept close to his heart,” she added.
<p“The Universe is undoubtedly holding Eric now, just as I will continue to do within my heart forever,” Leigh concluded.
Dane was introduced as a guest star in Season 2 of *Grey’s Anatomy* in 2006, becoming a series regular the following season. His character, Dr. Mark ‘McSteamy’ Sloan, shared a complex relationship with Lexie Grey before both characters tragically died in a plane crash during the Season 8 finale. Their legacy continues as Seattle Grace Mercy West was renamed Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in their memory.
