Shonda Rhimes, the creator of Grey's Anatomy and former boss of actor Eric Dane, has offered a straightforward and candid reaction to his omission from the Oscars In Memoriam segment during Sunday's ceremony. Dane, who passed away on February 19 at the age of 53 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), was not included in the tribute, sparking discussion among fans and industry insiders.
Rhimes' Direct Response to the Omission
When asked by ET for her thoughts on the Academy's decision to exclude Dane, the 56-year-old Rhimes did not mince words. 'Well, he's not a movie star,' she stated bluntly, providing a clear rationale for the oversight. She elaborated further, expressing confidence that Dane would receive proper recognition in the television sphere. 'I feel like when the Emmys come around, he will be immortalized the way he should be,' Rhimes added, highlighting the distinction between film and television honors.
Rhimes emphasized that the Oscars focus primarily on cinematic achievements, and with so many losses in the industry during 2025, it was understandable that some individuals might be left out. 'You can't fault the Oscars for the fact they're looking at movies, and there were so many people who are lost. Eric was unique to television and I can't wait to see what [the Emmys] do with him,' she remarked, underscoring Dane's significant impact on the small screen rather than in films.
Family Reaction and Industry Context
This response comes after it was revealed that Dane's family also reacted to his exclusion from the Oscars tribute. An insider close to the family disclosed that while his omission 'saddened' them, they understood the reasoning behind it. The source noted that 2025 had been 'a year of profound loss for the industry,' with many notable figures passing away, making the selection process for such tributes particularly challenging.
Dane, best known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan, also known as McSteamy, on Grey's Anatomy, was married to actress Rebecca Gayheart. Together, they shared two daughters, Billie, 16, and Georgia, 14. His death coincidentally occurred on the 20th anniversary of his debut on the series, adding a poignant layer to his legacy.
Other Omissions and Previous Honors
Dane was not alone in being left out of the Oscars In Memoriam. Other notable omissions included James Van Der Beek, star of Dawson's Creek and Varsity Blues, and French screen icon Brigitte Bardot. However, Dane had already received a heartfelt tribute from Grey's Anatomy shortly after his passing.
At the end of an episode on February 26, the show honored him with a montage of his most memorable scenes as Mark Sloan. Set to Snow Patrol's 2006 song 'Chasing Cars,' the clips culminated in a final shot that read: 'In loving memory of Eric Dane 1972-2026.' This gesture highlighted his enduring connection to the series and its audience.
Rhimes' Tribute and Past Reflections
Following Dane's death, Rhimes released a formal statement praising his contributions. 'Eric Dane was a beloved member of the Shondaland and Grey's Anatomy families,' she wrote. 'He was truly a gifted actor whose portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan left an indelible mark on the series and on audiences around the world.' She expressed gratitude for his artistry, spirit, friendship, and humanity, extending condolences to his family and loved ones.
In a 2024 appearance on the Armchair Expert podcast, Dane had reflected on his time on Grey's Anatomy, admitting that his drug use during filming led to difficulties. 'Things started going sideways for me,' he confessed, noting that his character was ultimately killed off by Rhimes in 2012. He acknowledged that he was not the same person he had been when hired, leading to his departure. 'And Shonda was really great. She protected us fiercely. She protected us publicly. She protected us privately. … But I was probably fired. It wasn't ceremoniously like, 'You're fired,' it was just like, 'You're not coming back,'' Dane recalled, showing a nuanced understanding of the situation.
Overall, while Eric Dane's absence from the Oscars In Memoriam has sparked conversation, Shonda Rhimes' response and the tributes from Grey's Anatomy affirm his lasting legacy in television, with anticipation building for how the Emmys might honor him in the future.
