Chyler Leigh is still suturing her heart back together after Eric Dane’s passing.
The 44-year-old—who starred as Dr. Lexie Grey on Grey’s Anatomy opposite Eric’s Dr. Mark Sloan—admitted that she “didn’t know how to comprehend” that Eric had passed. According to Chyler, the news didn’t truly settle in until she was on a flight home to Nashville from Los Angeles a few days later.
“All of a sudden, it just hit,” she recalled. “I had to keep getting up and going to use the lavatory because I was just sobbing.”
“I didn’t know it was going to hit me that hard and especially that fast,” she continued. “It was definitely a grief.”
Nearly three months after Eric’s death, Chyler can finally focus more on the fond memories she shared with her late costar.
“When I see the reels [of his past work], it’s not like I’m over it,” she explained, “but I’m able to see past the absolute devastation of it and be able to appreciate even more so those incredible moments that we had together.”
Indeed, the Supergirl actress remembered Eric as “such a wonderful scene partner” who had “one of the kindest hearts.”
“We had a deep relationship, a respect for one another,” Chyler added, calling Eric a “deep, deep man.”
She continued, “It was really special working with him. We always were able to laugh even amid the most absurd or devastating circumstances.”
Photo by Scott Garfield/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty ImagesEric—who shared kids Billie, 16, and Georgia, 14, with estranged wife Rebecca Gayheart—died on Feb. 19, less than one year after being diagnosed also known as Lou Gehrig‘s disease. He was 53.
In the wake of his “devastating” passing, Chyler opened up about her experience working with the Euphoria star.
“Eric had a heart of gold,” she said at the time. “His humor and, especially, his laugh was infectious. He was a deeply intelligent man who could carry a philosophical conversation for hours even while we were on set. He was an amazing father and loved his girls FIERCELY. Incredibly passionate about his work and the causes he kept close to his heart.”
“The Universe is undoubtedly holding Eric now,” she added, “just as I will continue to do within my heart forever.”
Read on to see how more stars reacted to Eric’s passing.
The Euphoria actress shared a clip from Eric’s Netflix Famous Last Words episode adding, “Forever will love you.”
“Eric Dane was a beloved member of the Shondaland and Grey’s Anatomy families,” Shonda 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.
“We are grateful for the artistry, spirit, friendship and humanity he shared with us for so many years. Our hearts are with his family, loved ones, and all who were touched by his work.”
The Grey’s Anatomy alum remembered his former costar during an appearance on Virgin Radio UK.
“He was the funniest man,” Patrick shared. “He’s such a joy to work with, and I want to just remember him in that spirit. Anytime he was on set, he brought so much fun to it. He had a great sense of humor. He was easy to work with. We got along instantly. His first scene was him in all his glory coming out of the bathroom with a towel on looking amazing, making me feel completely out of shape and insignificant.”
The Grey’s Anatomy showrunner, pictured with star Debbie Allen, shared a story of getting Eric back for a season 19 episode during the pandemic to honor his legacy.
“I called Eric and he answered immediately,” she recalled “I said will you come back? I know it’s a pandemic and shooting is a nightmare but we’re gonna do it on the beach and keep our social distance because the world needs joy and Mark and Lexie are joy. He said where and when. When I came to set that day, he said, we’re breaking the rules and hugging now right?
What I will remember most about Eric Dane are his hugs. The best hugs. Oh my friend. I wish you peace.”
The White Lotus star showed her condolences by sharing the news of Eric’s death to,along with a sad emoji and heartbreak emoji.
Eric’s Euphoria costar, who played his wife, shared a sweet selfie of the pair to her Instagram story adding, “RIP MR. DANE.”
“Eric was a light,” Kim, who was one of Eric’s brief love interests on Grey’s Anatomy. “You’d see it effortlessly shine from him on the set of Grey’s as well as when he was with Rebecca and the girls. During filming he’d get this twinkle in his eye and with a mischievous look, he would deliver with perfect comedic timing, a line of dialogue that would floor you! You will be missed.”
Camilla Luddington
While her time on Grey’s Anatomy did not overlap with Eric, the actress shared in a tribute, “I walk the halls with his character’s name on them every week.”
“Eric’s impact on our show and its fans is irrefutable,” she wrote in . 20. “An unforgettable talent who will never be forgotten. My heart is with his family.”
Paul Walter Hauser
The I, Tonya actor—who costarred alongside Eric in the 2023 film Americana—reflected on his friendship with the Grey’s Anatomy actor.
“We tried to book gigs, we tried to laugh at the pain and we tried to stay sober,” Paul wrote on Instagram. “I’m glad we got to play together in Americana.”
He added, “I love you, man. I wish we had more time. Enjoy the arms of Father God. I’ll see you again.”
Maria Shriver
The journalist shared she was “heartbroken” by the “devastating news” of Eric’s death.
“He was so heroic the way he handled his diagnosis,” she wrote on X.” He used his voice to let the world know what it was like living with ALS.”
She added of his upcoming memoir, being published under her imprint, “He told me he wanted his family to know how much he loved them, and he wanted to leave them a story they could be proud of.”
Selma Blair
The Cruel Intentions actress—who worked with Dane on the ‘90s show Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane—offered her condolences by tagging the late actor in an Instagram Story and writing, “I love you. And yours.”
Ashton Kutcher
The That ’70s Show actor reflected on the fun he had in a Fantasy Football league with Eric, “The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane. We know you’ll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS.”
Sam Levinson
The Euphoria creator shared that his friendship with Dane—who played Cal Jacobs on the HBO series—was “a gift” following his tragic passing.
“I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric,” he said in a statement to Variety. “Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing.”
James Pickens Jr.
The Grey’s Anatomy star shared the news of his former costar’s death to his Instagram Story Feb. 19, writing “Rest in Peace.”
Sarah Drew
Also a Grey’s Anatomy costar of Eric’s, Sarah added the news to her Instagram Story along with several crying emojis, writing “Rest in peace.”
Nina Dobrev
“Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Eric,” his Redeeming Love costar wrote alongside a picture on set with him. “He was warm, generous, prepared, and so passionate about what he did. He led with kindness and made everyone on our set feel seen.”
She added, “ALS is a cruel and unforgiving disease. May his memory inspire more research, awareness, and progress toward a cure. He will be deeply missed.”
Alyssa Milano
The Charmed actress commemorated her friendship with Eric, who played her onscreen love interest on the show.
“I can’t stop seeing that spark in Eric’s eye right before he’d say something that would either make you spit out your drink or rethink your entire perspective,” she wrote on Instagram. “He had a razor-sharp sense of humor. He loved the absurdity of things. He loved catching people off guard.”
And she credited him with her daring 2003 look.
“He convinced me to get my pixie cut and my nose piercing,” Alyssa continued. “He also was with me on the walk when we found Lucy, my beloved rescue chihuahua. He called me ‘Milano,’ as if it was the only part of my name that mattered.”
She concluded, “My heart is with the people who were lucky enough to be his home.”
Kevin McKidd
The Grey’s Anatomy alum—who played Owen Hunt opposite Dane’s Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on the ABC medical drama—shared a photo of his costar to Instagram Stories along with the caption, “Rest in peace buddy.”
The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum remembered Eric’s moniker on Grey’s Anatomy, writing on Instagram, “Sweet baby Jesus not McSteamy Lord.”