Eric Dane Was Only Meant to Be in 1 Episode of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
Eric Dane is best known for his role as McSteamy on Grey’s Anatomy. Before he took the part, though, this was not the kind of role that should have defined his career. Shonda Rhimes only intended for his character to appear in one episode of the medical drama. She shared why this changed.
Eric Dane was only going to be on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ for 1 episode
Dane made his appearance as Mark Sloan in the second season of Grey’s Anatomy. Rhimes said his character was originally a one-off.
“When Mark Sloan first appeared on Grey’s Anatomy in season 2, the original idea was to have him do one episode. Goodbye, Mark Sloan,” Rhimes wrote for Entertainment Weekly in 2012. “But none of us planned on what would happen once we cast Eric Dane.”
Rhimes said Dane brought the character to life in ways she couldn’t imagine.
“His Mark Sloan wasn’t just flirty and handsome — Eric’s Mark Sloan was dirty and hot but also completely self-aware of what he was lacking in emotion and self-control,” she wrote. “Eric’s Mark Sloan was smart enough to know he was a man-whore and sexy enough to make the audience believe in him anyway.”
Almost immediately, people — including her own mother — began begging to see more of him on the show.
“From the moment ABC aired the scene in which Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) dubbed him McSteamy, I began to get letters from fans,” she wrote. “And emails from friends. And phone calls from my mother. It was clear that we were going to need to see Mark Sloan back at Seattle Grace again.”
Danes remained on the show until season nine. After his death on Feb. 19, Rhimes shared a statement in his honor.
“Eric Dane was a beloved member of the Shondaland and Grey’s Anatomy families. 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 told The Hollywood Reporter. “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.”
