Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes shares blunt reaction to Eric Dane’s Oscars In Memoriam snub

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Shonda Rhimes, who previously worked with Eric Dane on Grey’s Anatomy, simply stated her reaction to him not being included in the Oscars’ memorial segment on Sunday.

Dane died on February 19 at age 53 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 

Shonda Rhimes, 56, explained to Entertainment Tonight that she wasn’t surprised the Academy didn’t include Dane in their tribute, saying, ‘He wasn’t a movie star.’

She added, ‘I feel like when the Emmys come around, he will be immortalized the way he should be.

It’s understandable the Oscars are focusing on films, especially considering the recent loss of so many people. Eric was a truly special figure in television, and I’m eager to see how the Emmys honor his memory.

It comes after Dane’s family’s reaction to his exclusion from the tribute was also revealed.

Actor Jacob Elordi was previously married to Rebecca Gayheart, and they have two daughters together: Billie, age 16, and Georgia, age 14.

A source close to the family said they were upset Dane wasn’t included in the Oscars’ tribute to those we’ve lost, but they recognized that 2025 was a particularly tragic year for the entertainment industry, making it difficult to honor everyone.

The ceremony celebrated Hollywood icons like Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, and Catherine O’Hara. Barbra Streisand paid tribute to Robert Redford, and Billy Crystal led a special celebration honoring Rob Reiner, surrounded by many other stars.

Dane was one of several notable figures left out, alongside actors James Van Der Beek, known for roles in shows like Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues, and French film legend Brigitte Bardot.

He was previously honored by Grey’s Anatomy at the end of a February 26 episode.

There was a montage of his most memorable scenes as Mark Sloan, also known as McSteamy.

It was so moving to see the montage set to Snow Patrol’s ‘Chasing Cars’ – it’s always been their song, you know? And then, at the very end, a picture of Dane with the message ‘In loving memory of Eric Dane 1972-2026.’ It really hit me hard.

I was such a huge fan of Dane, and it was incredible to watch him join Grey’s Anatomy back in 2006. It’s just heartbreaking and unbelievably coincidental that the day he passed away was also the 20th anniversary of when he first appeared on the show. It feels like a final, poignant goodbye.

Following the passing of Eric Dane, Shonda Rhimes shared a statement saying he was a much-loved part of the Shondaland and Grey’s Anatomy teams.

He was a remarkably talented actor, and his performance as Dr. Mark Sloan was unforgettable, deeply resonating with viewers worldwide.

We are deeply thankful for the talent, kindness, and warmth he brought into our lives over the years. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family, friends, and everyone who admired his work.

In a 2024 interview on the Armchair Expert podcast, Dane Cook revealed that his substance use during his time on Grey’s Anatomy led to difficulties, and ultimately resulted in his character being written off the show in 2012.

‘I wasn’t the same guy they had hired, so I understood when I was let go,’ he said.

He noted, ‘And Shonda was really great. She protected us fiercely. 

She consistently had our backs, both in public and behind closed doors. Despite this, I likely lost my job. It wasn’t a formal firing; they simply didn’t ask me to return.

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2026-03-20 07:34