Shonda Rhimes Reacts to Eric Dane’s Exclusion From Oscars In Memoriam

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Shonda Rhimes knows Eric Dane will get his flowers.

Some fans were upset that Ellen Pompeo, the Grey’s Anatomy star who passed away in February after a battle with ALS, wasn’t included in the Oscars’ memorial segment at the 2026 ceremony, but Shonda Rhimes believed the list was fitting.

Okay, so she said to Entertainment Tonight at the Vanity Fair party after the Oscars that he’s not exactly a movie star, which, honestly, is fine! She totally thinks when the Emmys roll around, that’s when everyone will finally see how amazing he is and give him the recognition he deserves. She doesn’t think it’s fair to blame the Oscars because they only focus on films, and she pointed out so many incredible people were being remembered that night. It’s like, the Emmys will get him, you know? I just know it!

Eric was featured in both the televised Oscars tribute and the Academy’s online memorial dedicated to those we’ve lost.

“Eric was unique to television,” adding she “can’t wait” to see how the Emmys pay tribute to him. 

The media mogul also reflected on Eric’s legacy on Grey’s Anatomy and beyond. 

The show’s creator described Eric as an amazing person, adding that it’s difficult to accept he’s no longer with us, and often still speaks of him as if he were still here.

She shared that his passing was a tremendous loss, not only for those who knew him personally, but also for the Shondaland and Grey’s Anatomy teams. She emphasized that he was an incredibly generous and kind person, and many didn’t fully appreciate how special he was.

It’s been a month since Eric died at 53 from breathing problems related to his ALS, and many of his colleagues from Grey’s Anatomy have been sharing memories of working with him.

Chyler Leigh, who acted alongside Eric as his love interest on the show, described him as having “a heart of gold.”

She shared in a statement on February 19th that his humor and laugh were truly contagious. He was a very thoughtful and intelligent man, capable of deep conversations even while working. Above all, he was a devoted and loving father to his daughters, and he poured his heart into both his career and the issues he cared about.

Oh my gosh, Patrick Dempsey – the McDreamy, you guys! – he actually talked about his history with Eric Dane, who was, of course, McSteamy on Grey’s Anatomy. It’s just… everything. Hearing McDreamy talk about McSteamy? I’m living for it!

In a recent interview on Virgin Radio UK, he described a colleague as ‘the funniest man.’ He shared that working with him was a joy, and he wants to remember him for the fun he brought to every set. They clicked immediately and had a great working relationship, thanks to his wonderful sense of humor and easygoing personality.

Even though Patrick playfully teased Eric about feeling insecure and out of shape after seeing him in just a towel for his first scene, it actually marked the beginning of a wonderful friendship between them.

Patrick said they connected easily because they never saw each other as rivals, but rather had a deep respect for one another. He admired the man’s intelligence and fondly remembered the fun they shared, emphasizing the happiness he brought to others. Patrick feels the true tragedy is that we’ve lost someone special.

For more tributes shared in memory of Eric, read on. 

The Euphoria star posted a video from Eric’s Netflix special, Famous Last Words, and wrote, “Forever will love you.”

Shonda Rhimes shared a heartfelt message on February 20th, remembering Eric Dane as a cherished part of the Shondaland and Grey’s Anatomy teams. She praised his talent as an actor, noting that his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan had a lasting impact on the show and its viewers. Rhimes expressed gratitude for his artistry, kindness, and friendship over the years, and extended her condolences to his family, friends, and fans.

The Grey’s Anatomy alum remembered his former costar during an appearance on Virgin Radio UK. 

Patrick fondly remembered him as the funniest person he knew. He was a delight to work with, and Patrick wanted to cherish those happy memories. Whenever he was on set, he brought a lot of energy and laughter. He was naturally funny and incredibly easygoing. They clicked immediately. Patrick recalled his first scene vividly: the man emerged from the bathroom, looking fantastic with a towel draped around him, which hilariously made Patrick feel self-conscious about his own appearance.

The creator of Grey’s Anatomy, shown here with actress Debbie Allen, recounted how they brought back the character Eric for a season 19 episode as a tribute, even while facing challenges during the pandemic.

In an Instagram post, she remembered calling Eric, who picked up right away. She asked him to return to work, acknowledging the difficulties of filming during a pandemic, but explained they would shoot outdoors, keeping a safe distance. She felt the world needed some happiness, and that he and Lexie brought that. He simply asked for the location and time. When she arrived on set, he joked that they were going to ignore the rules and hug. She shared that she’ll always remember his incredible hugs, adding, ‘Oh my friend, I wish you peace.’

Oh my gosh, I was devastated to see that Jennifer Coolidge posted about Eric’s passing on her Instagram Story! She used the saddest little face emoji and a broken heart… it just broke my heart too, honestly. It’s like, she gets how much we all loved him, you know?

Eric’s co-star from Euphoria, who played his wife on the show, posted a touching selfie of them together on her Instagram, along with the message, “RIP MR. DANE.”

Kim, who had a romantic connection with Eric on Grey’s Anatomy, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. She described Eric as a radiant person, both on and off the set of Grey’s, and especially when he was with his family. She remembered his playful spirit and how he could deliver a line with perfect timing, leaving everyone amazed. He will be deeply missed.

Although the actress and Eric didn’t work on Grey’s Anatomy at the same time, she fondly remembered that she passes his character’s name displayed in the hospital hallways every week.

She shared on Instagram on February 20th that Eric had a huge and undeniable impact on the show and its viewers. She described him as an incredibly talented person who will be deeply missed, and expressed her sympathy to his family.

The actor from I, Tonya, who appeared with Eric in the 2023 movie Americana, shared some thoughts about his friendship with the Grey’s Anatomy actor.

Paul shared on Instagram that the band struggled with booking shows, coping with difficulties, and staying sober. He expressed his happiness that they were at least able to perform together in the film Americana.

He expressed his love and wished they had more time together, telling the person to find comfort in God and promising to meet again.

The journalist shared she was “heartbroken” by the “devastating news” of Eric’s death.

She praised his bravery in facing his ALS diagnosis, noting that he powerfully shared his experiences with the world on X.

Regarding his upcoming memoir, which her publishing company will release, she said he wanted to express his love for his family and leave them a legacy they could cherish.

The actress from Cruel Intentions, who starred alongside Dane in the 1990s series Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane, shared her sympathy by posting a tribute to him on Instagram. She wrote, “I love you. And yours.”

Actor from That ’70s Show shared fond memories of playing Fantasy Football with Eric Dane, posting on X, “The Franklin strip fanatics Fantasy Football league will really miss Eric. We know you’ll be cheering us on, and we’re sending our love as you continue to battle ALS. Keep fighting, buddy!”

The creator of Euphoria said he considered his friendship with Eric Dane, who played Cal Jacobs on the show, to be a special blessing, especially after Dane’s recent death.

In a statement to Variety, he expressed his deep sadness, saying, “I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. It was an honor to work with him, and I truly cherished our friendship. Our thoughts are with Eric’s family, and we hope his memory brings comfort.”

I was so saddened to hear about the passing of a former colleague. I shared the news on my Instagram Stories yesterday, simply writing ‘Rest in Peace’ as a way to honor their memory. It’s always difficult when someone you’ve worked with is gone.

Sarah, who also worked with Eric on Grey’s Anatomy, shared the news on her Instagram Story, posting “Rest in peace” alongside several crying emojis.

His Redeeming Love co-star shared her sadness about Eric’s passing on Instagram, posting a photo of them together on set. She described him as a warm, generous, and dedicated person who was truly passionate about his work. She added that he was kind to everyone and made them feel valued.

She expressed that ALS is a devastating illness and hopes his memory will encourage further research, understanding, and advancements in finding a cure. He will be greatly missed.

The actress from Charmed celebrated her friendship with Eric, who played her romantic partner on the show.

She remembered a playful glint in Eric’s eyes just before he’d say something unexpectedly funny or thought-provoking. He had a quick, witty sense of humor and enjoyed finding the humor in everyday life, often surprising people with his remarks.

And she credited him with her daring 2003 look.

Alyssa went on to say that he encouraged her to get her hair cut into a pixie style and to get a nose piercing. He was also there with her when she found Lucy, her cherished chihuahua rescue. He playfully called her ‘Milano,’ as if that was the only part of her name he needed to remember.

She concluded, “My heart is with the people who were lucky enough to be his home.”

Kevin McKidd, known for his role on Grey’s Anatomy, posted a tribute to his former costar, Dane DeHaan, on Instagram, writing, “Rest in peace buddy.” They played colleagues on the ABC medical drama, with McKidd as Owen Hunt and DeHaan as Dr. Mark Sloan, nicknamed “McSteamy.”

Former Real Housewives of Atlanta star recalled the nickname for actor Eric Dane on Grey’s Anatomy, jokingly posting on Instagram, “Oh my goodness, not McSteamy!”

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2026-03-19 17:48