Eric Dane Didn't See Himself as a 'Sex Symbol' Despite McSteamy Role

The late actor played Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy from 2006 to 2012.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Eric Dane, who died in February 2026 at age 53 after being diagnosed with ALS, became a fan favorite on Grey's Anatomy as the charming Dr. Mark Sloan, nicknamed 'McSteamy.' However, Dane never saw himself as a 'sex symbol' despite the character's popularity. He reflected on his time on the show and the attention it brought him in a 2014 interview with PEOPLE.

Why it matters

Dane's portrayal of the charismatic Dr. Sloan resonated with viewers and cemented his status as a TV heartthrob, even though the actor himself didn't fully embrace that image. His passing at a relatively young age after a battle with ALS has saddened fans of the long-running medical drama.

The details

Dane first appeared as Dr. Mark Sloan, the former best friend of Patrick Dempsey's Dr. Derek Shepherd, in 2006 during Grey's Anatomy's second season. Over the next six years, his character became known for his womanizing ways and good looks, earning him the nickname 'McSteamy.' However, Dane said he 'didn't see [himself] as a sex symbol' despite the character's popularity. He reflected on his rise to fame, noting he was glad it didn't happen when he was 25 because he 'wouldn't have handled it well at all.'

  • Eric Dane debuted as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy on February 19, 2006.
  • Dane died on February 19, 2026 at the age of 53, nearly a year after announcing his ALS diagnosis.

The players

Eric Dane

The late actor who played Dr. Mark Sloan, nicknamed 'McSteamy,' on Grey's Anatomy from 2006 to 2012.

Patrick Dempsey

The actor who played Dr. Derek Shepherd, nicknamed 'McDreamy,' on Grey's Anatomy and was the former best friend of Dane's character.

Kate Walsh

The actress who played Dr. Addison Shepherd, the wife of Dempsey's character, with whom Dane's character had an affair.

Shonda Rhimes

The creator of Grey's Anatomy who paid tribute to Dane's portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan in an obituary for the character.

Ellen Pompeo

The actress who played Meredith Grey, the character who dubbed Dane's character 'McSteamy.'

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What they’re saying

“I didn't see myself as a sex symbol.”

— Eric Dane (PEOPLE)

“From the moment ABC aired the scene in which Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) dubbed him McSteamy, I began to get letters from fans. 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.”

— Shonda Rhimes, Grey's Anatomy creator (Entertainment Weekly)

“By the time he died, he was no longer just a hot naked guy in a towel. He'd become more than McSteamy. Mark had grown to become a mentor, a true best friend, a father and the love of Lexie Grey's life.”

— Shonda Rhimes, Grey's Anatomy creator (Entertainment Weekly)

The takeaway

Despite his status as a TV heartthrob, Eric Dane remained humble about his 'McSteamy' persona, never fully embracing the 'sex symbol' label. His nuanced portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy resonated with fans and cemented his legacy as one of the show's most beloved characters.