“Grey’s Anatomy” Paid ‘Very Intentional’ Tribute to Late Eric Dane in Season 22 Finale, Says Kevin McKidd (Exclusive)

**Kevin McKidd Reflects on Emotional Tribute to Eric Dane in Grey’s Anatomy Finale**

The season 22 finale of *Grey’s Anatomy*, aired on May 7, was a poignant affair that notably honoured the late Eric Dane, who passed away at the age of 53 earlier this year. In an exclusive interview with *PEOPLE*, Kevin McKidd, known for his role as Dr. Owen Hunt, expressed that the finale montage featuring clips of Dane’s cherished character, Dr. Mark Sloan, was a deliberate homage to the actor’s legacy.

McKidd, who has been a part of the series since 2008, shared that the tribute was thoughtfully designed to celebrate Dane’s impact on the series. “Yeah, it was very intentional we did that,” he stated. The emotional montage was a heartfelt touch in a season finale that explored past moments and memories from the show’s extensive history.

Reflecting on his time with Dane, McKidd recounted the initial nerves he experienced when he first stepped onto the set of the popular ABC drama. He vividly remembers his first day, feeling overwhelmed by the scale of the show and its established cast, which included stars like Patrick Dempsey and Sandra Oh. “I was terrified — it was such a huge show,” McKidd admitted, recalling how he was introduced to his co-stars by Dempsey.

Despite his initial apprehensions, McKidd found a warm welcome from his colleagues. He described how Dempsey took the initiative to introduce him to Dane, effectively easing McKidd’s transition into the already successful ensemble. “I think Patrick liked me, so he was very welcoming to me,” he noted. This camaraderie shaped his early days on set and helped him settle into his role.

As McKidd reflected on their collaborations, he highlighted Dane’s distinctive brand of humour. “Eric was really funny,” he recalled, describing Dane’s “dry sense of humour”. According to McKidd, Dane had an exceptional talent for infusing comedy into his character, making every scene enjoyable. “He had that amazing ability with that character to make everything kind of hilarious,” he added. McKidd’s sentiments echoed the feelings of many who had the pleasure of knowing Dane, stating, “He’s missed. He will always be part of the Grey’s family.”

Dane’s untimely death from respiratory failure in February left a significant void in the *Grey’s Anatomy* community. A death certificate revealed that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was an underlying cause of his passing. Dane had publicly disclosed his diagnosis of the progressive neurodegenerative disease about a year before his death. His legacy persists, as he leaves behind his wife Rebecca Gayheart and their two daughters, Billie and Georgia.

McKidd expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have worked alongside Dane, noting that the two shared the screen for four seasons after McKidd joined in season five. Dane’s portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan not only made a lasting impression during his time on the show but also resonated during his brief return to the series in the 2021 beach reunion storyline.

The final montage that featured Dane not only elicited memories of their time together but also provoked a mix of sadness and appreciation for the friendship they had built. “To see him in those montages was always a joy,” McKidd said, illustrating the bittersweet nature of their shared history.

As *Grey’s Anatomy* continues to weave its intricate narratives, the legacy of Eric Dane will undoubtedly remain a cherished part of the series. All seasons, including those that feature Dane’s memorable contributions, are available for streaming on Hulu, allowing fans old and new to relive the moments that made the character so beloved.