Grey's Anatomy Paid Tribute to Eric Dane with 'Chasing Cars' Song

In Thursday's episode of the American medical drama 'Grey's Anatomy', the first aired since Eric Dane's death, viewers said goodbye to the actor in an exceptionally emotional way. At the end of the episode, a special one-minute video montage was shown as a tribute to the late star. The montage was compiled from the most important and iconic scenes featuring Dane's character, plastic surgeon Dr. Mark 'McSteamy' Sloan. Among the clips were milestones from his ten-year history on the show, such as the hotel room scene that ultimately ended the marriage of Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) and Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh), or the comedic elevator scene involving Derek's ex and current partner, interrupted by Mark. Also shown were pivotal moments of the character's personal transformation, including when Sloan became a father and when he walked Dr. Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez) down the aisle. The whole tribute was accompanied by a poignant cover of the song 'Chasing Cars' by Snow Patrol, performed by Tommee Profitt and Fleurie. The choice of this particular song was deeply symbolic for long-time fans of the production. 'Chasing Cars' was first heard in the season two finale of 'Grey's Anatomy' in 2006, in the pivotal death scene of patient Denny Duquette (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), in whose hospital room a severely injured Mark Sloan also lay after a car accident. Since then, various versions of this song have regularly appeared in the series, underscoring its most emotional and pivotal moments, becoming a kind of musical signature for the production. Using it in the farewell montage for the actor, whose character was present during its first significant use, closed a symbolic loop. The ABC-produced series 'Grey's Anatomy', created by Shonda Rhimes, is the longest-running American medical drama in television history. It premiered on March 27, 2005. Over nearly two decades, it has become a global pop culture phenomenon, launched dozens of actors, and introduced terms like 'McSteamy' (handsome) and 'McDreamy' (dreamy) into common parlance, referring to the main male characters.Eric Dane, who died on February 19 at the age of 53 after a public battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, joined the cast of 'Grey's Anatomy' in the second season, initially in a guest role. However, he quickly gained such immense popularity with viewers that he was promoted to the main cast. His character, Dr. Mark Sloan, was the best friend of neurosurgeon Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) and served as a kind of counterbalance to him – while Derek was the embodiment of 'McDreamy', Mark earned the nickname 'McSteamy'. Over eight seasons, Sloan's character underwent significant evolution. From an initially arrogant playboy and plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation, he became a responsible father to his daughter, Sofia, whom he had with Dr. Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh), and a devoted partner. His romance with Callie Torres and subsequent marriage to her was one of the central storylines of the series. Dane left the show in the second episode of the ninth season, aired in September 2012, in which his character died from injuries sustained in the plane crash that ended the eighth season. His on-screen death was one of the most moving moments in the production's history, and his farewell words to Derek: 'You said I was worthy. It's true,' remained etched in viewers' memories. The one-minute tribute aired in Thursday's episode thus served as a double farewell. It was a tribute to the actor who passed away prematurely, but also a sentimental journey for fans, recalling the ten-year history of one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in the 'Grey's Anatomy' universe. The montage emphasized how integral a part of the show's narrative fabric Mark Sloan was and what a significant legacy Eric Dane left behind. In the world of the show, where death is a frequent visitor, this off-screen farewell took on a particularly authentic weight. The show's executive producer, Meg Marinis, had previously announced that the production would find a way to honor the actor's memory, which was fulfilled in this very episode. This makes 'Grey's Anatomy' not just entertainment, but also a chronicle of its own long-running history and the community it has created both in front of and behind the camera.