Katherine Heigl has joined different “Gray’s Anatomy” stars in paying tribute to Eric Dane following his premature loss of life from ALS on the age of 53, lower than a 12 months after he was identified.
Because the information of his loss of life circulated, lots of Dane’s former co-stars have shared recollections, condolences, and properly needs for his household.
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Katherine Heigl Posts An Emotional Tribute To Former ‘Gray’s Anatomy’ Co-Star Eric Dane
Taking to InstagramKatherine Heigl posted a heartfelt tribute to her former co-star, becoming a member of the likes of Patrick Dempsey and Shonda Rhimes.
“I debated this submit for days,” Heigl’s submit started. “I’ve by no means been snug grieving publicly. I share my tears, my tales and my recollections with these I’m closest to and extra instances than not I share them solely with the heavens alone. However that silence can usually appear like an absence of care which I couldn’t abide right here.”
The actress went on to say Dane’s widow, Rebecca Gayheart, and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia.
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“Rebecca, Billie, Georgia… There may be so little, if in actual fact something, one can say a couple of tragic loss like yours,” her caption learn. “All of the “I’m sorries” and “my prayers are with you” ring a bit hole within the midst of a lot ache and grief.”
“So I’ll say the one factor that has ever introduced me peace after I’ve misplaced somebody I like,” Heigl continued. “It’s Robert Frost’s poem ‘Nothing Gold Can Keep’ of which I’ve tattooed on my physique in my mother or father’s handwriting so I’ll always remember that the second of gold was value it.”
Heigl included the poem in her caption, earlier than including a closing message about her former co-star.
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“I’ll always remember Eric’s gold and I’ll ceaselessly be grateful I bought to indulge in it for even a quick second in time. Thanks for sharing him with us. God Pace my outdated good friend…right here’s to your subsequent nice journey,” she wrote.
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Patrick Dempsey Beforehand Shared Perception Into Eric Dane’s Last Days
The day after Dane’s February 19 loss of life, Patrick Dempsey appeared as a visitor on “The Chris Evans Breakfast Present,” on February 20. He shared that he woke as much as the information that his good friend and former co-star had sadly handed away, noting that it was tough to place into phrases what he was feeling.
In accordance with the actor, he was texting with Dane the week previous to his loss of life, and a few of their mutual associates visited him. Throughout his closing days, Dempsey described the difficulties Dane was having.
“He was bedridden and it was very laborious for him to swallow, so the standard of his life was deteriorating so quickly,” Dempsey shared.
The “Gray’s Anatomy” star additionally shared completely happy recollections of the late actor, together with their working relationship on set.
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Sharing that Dane was “such a pleasure to work with,” Dempsey additionally mentioned that Dane introduced a lot pleasure to the set of the long-running ABC medical drama.
“There was this excellent mutual respect. He is wickedly clever, and I am all the time going to recollect these moments of enjoyable that we had collectively and have fun the enjoyment that he did deliver to individuals’s lives,” Dempsey added.
‘Gray’s Anatomy’ Creator Shonda Rhimes Additionally Paid Tribute To Dane
In an Instagram submitShonda Rhimes remembered Dane fondly all through his tenure on the Emmy-winning sequence.
“Eric Dane was a beloved member of the Shondaland and ‘Gray’s Anatomy’ households,” Rhimes’ message started. “He was actually a gifted actor whose portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan left an indelible mark on the sequence and on audiences around the globe.”
“We’re grateful for the artistry, spirit, friendship and humanity he shared with us for therefore a few years. Our hearts are along with his household, family members, and all who have been touched by his work,” she added.
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Johnny Depp Supplied Eric Dane With A Place To Keep In Days Main Up To His Demise
In accordance with Web page SixJohnny Depp quietly supplied one in every of his Los Angeles houses to shut good friend Dane previous to his loss of life.
“Eric (had) one much less factor to fret about,” an inside supply advised the outlet, explaining that Dane was primarily dwelling rent-free in Depp’s Sundown Strip property, and was advised to “pay no matter he may or — couldn’t for lease.”
The 2 actors, who related by means of mutual associates years in the past, remained shut as Dane battled the progressive illness.
Eric Dane Died Much less Than A 12 months After Sharing His ALS Analysis
On Thursday, February 19, 2026, the actor’s household confirmed to PEOPLE journal that the actor had handed away after asserting his ALS prognosis in 2025.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane handed on Thursday afternoon following a brave battle with ALS,” his household mentioned in an announcement. “He spent his closing days surrounded by pricey associates, his devoted spouse, and his two stunning daughters, Billie and Georgia, who have been the middle of his world.”
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“All through his journey with ALS, Eric turned a passionate advocate for consciousness and analysis, decided to make a distinction for others going through the identical battle. He might be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered all the time,” they continued. “Eric adored his followers and is ceaselessly grateful for the outpouring of affection and assist he’s obtained. The household has requested for privateness as they navigate this unimaginable time.”