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Chyler Leigh is remembering her former “Grey’s Anatomy” co-star Eric Dane following his tragic death.
“The last 48 hours have been devastating,” the actress told E! News in a statement, two days after the star died at the age of 53 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). “I never thought I would be using the term ‘had or was,’ but here we are. And I hate it. Eric had a heart of gold. His humor and, especially, his laugh was infectious.”
Leigh went on to say 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.”
The “Way Home” star concluded: “The Universe is undoubtedly holding Eric now, just as I will continue to do within my heart forever.”
Dane portrayed plastic surgeon Mark Sloan on the ABC medical drama from Season 2 until the start of Season 9.
Throughout his time on the series, Dane’s character was involved in an on-off relationship with Leigh’s Lexie Grey, who joined the show during the Season 3 finale. The onscreen couple died following a tragic plane crash at the end of Season 8.
In 2020, during Season 17 of “Grey’s Anatomy,” Dane and Leigh, 43, reunited for a quick cameo.
Mark and Lexie ended up visiting Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) in a dream sequence while she was in a coma with coronavirus.
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Reflecting on her “Grey’s” ending, Leigh teased to Us Weekly in 2024: “You get crushed under the fuselage of a plane and then apparently eaten by wolves? But then — think about it — then if I was pooped out, what if Lexie turned into a tree? Do you know what I mean? Now I’m forever part of oxygenating the world.”
All jokes aside, the actress said she will “always be incredibly grateful for that character and for that story line.”
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard from people that are going into the medicine field and that are like, ‘I started just like this and I get to watch Lexi’s journey.’ … I appreciate how it affects fans,” continued Leigh.
Dane also reflected on his journey with the long-running series during his “Famous Last Words” interview, which aired hours after his death on Netflix.
“I’m proud of [my career]. All of it got me to where I am today,” Dane said in the heart-wrenching sit-down. “There was a ton of experience in there. Life experience, personal, professional. I think when I really tried to be good and approached the craft with a certain amount of effort and focus that I was capable of doing some pretty good work.”
“Grey’s Anatomy” also helped the “Euphoria” star, who announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, stay sober.
“I’m not good with a lot of time on my hands,” Dane elaborated. “I need structure and the show provided a lot of structure for me. When we stopped short for the writers’ strike, I had months off and I found my way back to drugs and alcohol. I knew better because, at that time, I had been sober for about nine years, so I knew better.”
Of course, many other “Grey’s Anatomy” stars paid tribute to the beloved father of two after news of his death broke.
“I’m at a loss for words to try to express the sadness around Eric’s passing,” Kate Walsh, who played Dr. Addison Montgomery, penned on Instagram Friday.
As Page Six previously reported, Dane’s family confirmed the news of the actor’s death on Thursday.
“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,” their statement read in part.
“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife [Rebecca Gayheart], and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always.”
English (US)