Chyler Leigh Details the Moment She Learned of Eric Dane’s Death

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Chyler Leigh is still suturing her heart back together after Eric Dane‘s passing.

The actress from Grey’s Anatomy—who played Eric’s romantic partner on the show—described how she found out about his death, saying it caused a wave of intense feelings.

I hadn’t spoken to him in a while when I found out what happened,” Chyler shared on the May 13th episode of the You Might Know Her From podcast. “It really shocked me. My first reaction was just disbelief – I couldn’t believe it was true.”

Chyler Leigh, 44, who played Dr. Lexie Grey on Grey’s Anatomy alongside Eric Dane’s Dr. Mark Sloan, said she struggled to accept the news of his passing. She explained that it didn’t fully sink in until she was flying back to Nashville from Los Angeles a few days later.

It came over me so quickly,” she remembered. “I kept having to run to the restroom because I couldn’t stop crying.

She explained that the impact was much stronger and quicker than she expected. It was, without a doubt, a deeply painful experience.

It’s been almost three months since we lost Eric, and honestly, it’s finally getting a little easier. I can actually start really focusing on all the amazing memories I have of him from when we worked together. It still hurts, of course, but I’m cherishing those good times more and more each day.

Watching old videos of our time together isn’t easy, but I’ve reached a point where I can look beyond the pain and truly cherish the wonderful moments we shared.

The Supergirl actress fondly recalled Eric as a truly wonderful and kind person to work with.

Chyler described having a close and respectful connection with Eric, calling him a truly complex and thoughtful person.

She shared that working with him was a truly special experience. They always managed to find humor, even when things were incredibly silly or difficult.

Eric, who was 53 years old, passed away on February 19th after a battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. He is survived by his two children, 16-year-old Billie and 14-year-old Georgia, and his estranged wife, Rebecca Gayheart. He was diagnosed with the disease less than a year prior to his death.

After Angus Cloud’s unexpected death, Chyler Leigh shared her experiences of working with the Euphoria actor.

She told TopMob News that Eric was a truly kind person. His humor and laugh were contagious, and he was incredibly intelligent – able to discuss deep ideas for hours, even while working. He was a devoted father who loved his daughters intensely, and he was very passionate about both his career and the issues he cared about.

She said, “The Universe is now embracing Eric, and I will carry him in my heart always.” Find out how other stars are remembering Eric below.

The actress from Euphoria posted a clip 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 communities. She praised his talent as an actor, noting that his performance as Dr. Mark Sloan had a lasting impact on both the show and its viewers. Rhimes expressed gratitude for his artistry, kindness, and friendship over the years, and extended condolences to his family, friends, and fans.

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

Patrick described him as the funniest person he knew. He was a delight to work with, and Patrick wanted to remember him that way. Whenever he was on set, he brought a lot of energy and laughter. He was naturally funny, easygoing, and they clicked immediately. Patrick recalled his first scene with him: emerging from the bathroom wrapped in a towel, looking fantastic, which hilariously made Patrick feel self-conscious about his own appearance.

As a huge Grey’s Anatomy fan, I was so touched to hear how the showrunner brought Eric back for an episode in season 19, even during the pandemic. It was a beautiful way to honor Debbie Allen and her incredible legacy, and seeing them together in that picture just made it even more special.

I was so thrilled when Eric answered my call right away! I immediately asked him to come back to work, even knowing how tough things were with the pandemic and all the safety precautions. I explained we’d shoot on the beach, keep our distance, because honestly, the world just needs some happiness, and Mark and Lexie – his and my characters – bring that. He just asked for the details! And then, on set that day, he said, with a grin, that we were ditching the rules and hugging it out! What I’ll cherish most about Eric is his hugs – seriously, the best hugs. He’s such a wonderful friend, and I’m sending him all my best wishes for peace.

The actress from The White Lotus shared the news of Eric’s passing on her Instagram Story, adding a sad face and a broken heart emoji.

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 briefly dated Eric on Grey’s Anatomy, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, describing him as a radiant person. She remembered his bright presence both on the Grey’s set and with his family – Rebecca and their daughters. She recalled that during filming, he’d often get a playful glint in his eye before delivering a line with impeccable comedic timing that would leave everyone amazed. She ended by saying he would be deeply missed.

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

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

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

Paul shared on Instagram that they worked hard to find performances, cope with difficulties, and avoid substance use. He also expressed happiness that the band had the chance 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 their faith 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 diagnosis, writing on X that he powerfully shared his experiences with ALS and helped others understand what living with the disease is like.

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

The actress from Cruel Intentions, who co-starred with Dane on the 1990s TV show Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane, shared her sadness by posting a tribute to him on Instagram. She wrote, “I love you. And yours.”

Oh my gosh, you guys, Topher Grace just posted the sweetest thing about Eric Dane! Apparently, they were in this Fantasy Football league together – can you imagine?! He wrote on X that the whole league is going to miss Eric so much, and that they know he’ll still be watching from wherever he is. It’s just… heartbreaking. Topher ended it saying they’re all still fighting to find a cure for ALS, and it just shows how much Eric means to everyone. Seriously, I’m tearing up just thinking about it!

The creator of Euphoria described his friendship with Eric Dane, who played Cal Jacobs in the HBO series, as a cherished blessing after Dane’s recent death. In a statement to Variety, he expressed his deep sadness, saying he was honored to have worked with Eric and treasured their friendship. He shared his condolences with Eric’s family and wished his memory would be a source of comfort.

The actor from Grey’s Anatomy announced the passing of a former colleague on his Instagram Story on February 19th, simply writing “Rest in Peace.”

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

I was so incredibly saddened to hear about Eric’s passing. I had the privilege of working with him on Redeeming Love, and he was just a wonderful person. He was always so warm, generous, and truly dedicated to his craft. What I’ll remember most is his kindness – he had a way of making everyone on set feel valued and seen. He’ll be deeply missed.

She expressed that ALS is a devastating illness. She hopes his memory will encourage further research, greater awareness, and ultimately, 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 hilariously shocking or surprisingly insightful. He was incredibly funny, loved finding humor in the unexpected, and enjoyed surprising people.

And she credited him with her daring 2003 look.

Alyssa went on to say that he encouraged her to get her short pixie cut and a nose piercing. He was also there when she found Lucy, her cherished chihuahua, and actually referred to her as ‘Milano,’ like that was all he needed to say her name.

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

Oh my gosh, I was absolutely devastated to see this! Kevin McKidd, who played Owen Hunt on Grey’s Anatomy – you guys know, the show that basically lived in my TV for years – posted a picture of Dane DeHaan on his Instagram Stories. Dane, of course, was McSteamy! Seriously, McSteamy! And Kevin just wrote, ‘Rest in peace buddy.’ It’s just…so heartbreaking. They had such amazing chemistry on screen, and to see Kevin post that…it just really hit me hard.

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

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2026-05-16 22:20