Shonda Rhimes Shares Thoughtful Reaction To Eric Dane Being Excluded From Oscars 'In Memoriam'

The absence of Eric Dane from this year’s Oscars "In Memoriam" segment didn’t go unnoticed—and now Shonda Rhimes is weighing in. At the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party, where she appeared in a black Carolina Herrera gown, Rhimes was asked about the passing of the Grey’s Anatomy star.

Speaking on the loss, Rhimes told Entertainment Tonight correspondent Denny Directo:

“You know, Eric is an–was an incredible human being, and I still say ‘is’ because it’s very hard for me to believe he’s gone… He was a huge loss for the Shondaland family, for the 'Grey’s Anatomy' family, and, honestly, the people that he knew."

Dane first appeared on Rhimes’ critically acclaimed Grey’s Anatomy in 2006 as Mark “McSteamy” Sloan, becoming a series regular in Season 3. Across more than 145 episodes, he became a defining presence on the long-running medical drama, known for his charm, wit, and complicated relationships.

Beyond Grey’s Anatomy, he remained a steady presence on television, with roles in series including Euphoria in later years. Though he also appeared in films such as X-Men: The Last Stand, Valentine’s Day, and Burlesque, his defining work—and lasting impact—was rooted in television.

Given that legacy, many fans questioned his absence from the Oscars tribute. Rhimes, however, offered a measured, industry-aware perspective.

Rhimes addressed the distinction between film and television recognition:

"Well, he's not a movie star, you know? And I feel like when the Emmys come around, he will be [immortalized] the way he should be."

The 2026 Primetime Emmys are scheduled for September 14. Over its 20-season run, Grey’s Anatomy has won five Emmy Awards out of more than 40 nominations, with recognition often coming in technical and guest acting categories rather than major series wins.

The Bridgerton executive producer emphasized the Academy’s scope while acknowledging the broader loss:

"We can't fault the Oscars for the fact that they're looking at movies. And there were so many people who were lost, but Eric was unique to television, and I can't wait to see what they do with him [at the Emmys]."

You can watch the interview here:

- YouTubeEntertainment Tonight

Dane was not the only notable figure absent from the televised segment. Others reportedly left out included James Van Der Beek, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Robert Carradine, June Lockhart, Bud Cort of Harold and Maude, and Brigitte Bardot.

This year’s ceremony expanded its In Memoriam segment amid a high number of losses, with tributes to figures such as Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, and Rob Reiner.

Dane died February 19 at age 53 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In the days following his death, Grey’s Anatomy paid tribute with a 60-second montage at the end of its February 27 episode.

You can view the emotional tribute below:

- YouTubeEntertainment Tonight

Rhimes also shared a more personal reflection during her interview, remembering the actor beyond his on-screen presence.

Rhimes took a moment to remember Dane and his kindness:

"He was just a wonderful, wonderful, giving guy [and] I don’t know that everybody understands how amazing he was."

Online, viewers continued to react to both Dane’s absence from the Oscars tribute and Rhimes’ response, with many echoing her sentiment that his legacy is most closely tied to television.

You can view the reactions here:

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His co-stars also paid tribute in the days following his passing. Katherine Heigl shared a message honoring their time together on Grey’s Anatomy.

The Emmy award-winning actress wrote:

"I will never forget Eric’s gold, and I will forever be grateful I got to bask in it for even a brief moment in time. Thank you for sharing him with us. God Speed, my old friend... Here’s to your next great adventure."

Patrick Dempsey and Kate Walsh also shared their own memories and tribute on social media, while Rhimes posted a tribute honoring Dane’s impact and legacy.

You can view Rhimes’ Instagram post below:

Following Eric Dane’s death from ALS in February 2026 at age 53, his ex-wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie (15) and Georgia (13), are navigating the loss with the support of family and close friends.

Gayheart, who remained his primary caretaker and close friend after their 2018 separation, continues to guide their family through grief as they plan a public memorial, and attention now turns to the Emmys, where many expect Dane’s television legacy to be honored.