Grey’s Anatomy star Kate Walsh is paying tribute to her former onscreen love interest, Eric Dane, in the wake of his death.
Posting via her Instagram on Friday, February 20, Walsh honored her costar after he died on Thursday at age 53 following a battle with ALS.
“I’m at a loss for words to try to express the sadness around Eric’s passing,” Walsh, 58, wrote alongside a carousel of photos that featured Dane, herself and fellow Grey’s cast members.
The actress began her tribute by sharing her condolences to Dane’s daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14 and the mother of his children, Rebecca Gayheart.
“First and foremost I am thinking of his girls and Rebecca and holding them in my prayers and my heart,” Walsh wrote.
Walsh played Dr. Addison Montgomery in the medical drama. Her character’s romance with Dane’s character Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan was a major plot point in early seasons of the show.
In her tribute post, Walsh reflected on her memories shooting alongside Dane as she complimented his real-life personality.
“I literally remember my very first scene with Eric…an elevator scene at Seattle Greys 😊 So, so long ago. I believe it was his first scene on the show too and he was nervous. He was so handsome and I thought ‘but can this guy act?’ 😂 and of course he could, and did, and the rest is history,” Walsh wrote.
Eric Dane and Kate Walsh. (Photo by Vivian Zink/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
She continued, “One of the things I loved about Eric was his sensitivity and vulnerability, (and intelligence, of course) but he had the gravitas & old soul that made his work magnetic and made him a great friend off set. In those early days of Grey’s, as with most network tv shows, we spent more time with each other than with anyone else and so we became a family of sorts and Eric was such a source of support and love.”
Walsh ended the post by urging her followers to help organizations trying to find a cure for the debilitating disease.
“ALS is an awful disease & too many people have lost loved ones to it. I know it was Eric’s mission to help find a cure. I would encourage you to look into @targetals in his memory. 🕊️,” she wrote.
Dane’s family confirmed via a statement on Thursday that the Euphoria star died following a battle with ALS.
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
The statement concluded: “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.”
Dane appeared on Grey’s Anatomy from 2006 to 2012 before returning for a surprise appearance in 2021.
He publicly announced he had been diagnosed with ALS via People in April 2025.
