Chyler Leigh Reflects on Regret and Remembers Eric Dane from ‘Grey’s Anatomy’
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Chyler Leigh recently shared her emotional reflections on her time working with the late Eric Dane during their tenure on the acclaimed medical drama, “Grey’s Anatomy.” Speaking with TV Insider, Leigh expressed her feelings about missing the opportunity to reunite with Dane before his passing earlier this year at the age of 53.
Leigh, who portrayed Lexie Grey, joined the series in its third season, which premiered in 2006. Eric Dane was introduced a season earlier as Mark Sloan, a character known for stirring drama among the show’s central figures, including Derek Shepherd and Addison Montgomery. Over the years, Dane’s character became romantically involved with Lexie, leading to a complex relationship defined by both passion and heartbreak.
The culmination of Lexie and Mark’s storyline came during the ninth season, following a devastating plane crash that occurred in the season eight finale. It was in this poignant moment that Mark, grappling with his feelings for Lexie, confessed his love for her prior to her tragic death. In the subsequent premiere, Mark met a similar fate, succumbing to injuries sustained in the crash.
Amid the ongoing legacy of “Grey’s Anatomy,” Leigh recalled how both characters returned for a memorable appearance in the show’s seventeenth season. While Meredith Grey, played by Ellen Pompeo, faced a fight against COVID-19, she experienced visions of deceased loved ones, including Lexie and Mark. However, Leigh confronted her own regret regarding this reunion, stemming from her filming commitments with another project.
She revealed, “We were filming all during COVID, actual COVID, and I was filming Supergirl in Vancouver, and I couldn’t go down to be there.” Leigh portrayed Alex Danvers in “Supergirl,” which ran from 2015 to 2021. Unfortunately, her schedule, mixed with rigorous COVID-19 protocols, meant she could only film her scenes with Dane and Pompeo via green screen.
Reflecting on this missed opportunity, Leigh shared her disappointment: “If there’s anything that I regret, it would be not having been able to do that.” Despite this setback, she remembered Dane’s talent and warmth, stating, “I could pick a million [moments]. I really could. He was a wonderful, wonderful human being.”
A heartfelt tribute came from Leigh after Dane’s passing in February. “The last 48 hours have been devastating. I never thought I would be using the term ‘had or was,’ but here we are. And I hate it,” she wrote in a statement to E! News. Leigh fondly remembered Dane’s infectious laugh, along with his intelligence and humour, saying, “He was a deeply intelligent man who could carry a philosophical conversation for hours even while we were on set.”
Dane was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, about a year before his death. In his last months, he dedicated time to advocating for ALS research, demonstrating his commitment to making a difference even in the face of personal hardship.
Leigh’s tribute highlighted the void left by Dane’s absence, as she concluded, “The Universe is undoubtedly holding Eric now just as I will continue to do within my heart forever.”
As the cultural impact of “Grey’s Anatomy” continues to resonate, fans await the return of the show’s twenty-third season this autumn. Although the series is known for its emotional twists and character arcs, the memories of Leigh and Dane’s storyline remain a significant chapter in its enduring legacy.