Shonda Rhimes has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Eric Dane's absence from the 2026 Oscars 'In Memoriam' segment. The Grey's Anatomy creator addressed the omission in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, offering a pragmatic perspective on why the late actor wasn't included.
"He's not a movie star, you know?" Rhimes stated. "When the Emmys come around, he will be immortalized the way he should be. We can't fault the Oscars for focusing on films. Eric was unique to television, and I'm eager to see his tribute at the Emmys."
Rhimes emphasized that Dane's legacy is firmly rooted in TV, suggesting the Primetime Emmys on September 14 will be a more fitting venue to honor his contributions. She also reflected on his personal impact, calling him "an incredible human being" and a significant loss to the Grey's Anatomy and Shondaland families.
Eric Dane on 'Grey's Anatomy'. ABC/RANDY HOLMES
Dane, renowned for his role as Dr. Mark "McSteamy" Sloan, passed away on February 19 at age 53 after battling ALS. His death prompted heartfelt tributes, including a social media homage from the show and a 60-second montage in a February 27 episode. Costars like Kate Walsh and Katherine Heigl also shared emotional posts, with Heigl writing, "I will never forget Eric's gold... God Speed my old friend."
2026 Oscars 'In Memoriam' tribute to Rob Reiner. Kevin Winter/Getty
Dane was among several notable figures excluded from the Oscars tribute, including James Van Der Beek, Brigitte Bardot, Loni Anderson, Samantha Eggar, and Robert Carradine. Rhimes' comments highlight the ongoing debate about recognition boundaries between film and television industries, underscoring Dane's enduring influence in the TV world.
