His story is therefore more than the story of a television heartthrob. It is the story of an actor, father, advocate and man who continued working while facing a devastating diagnosis.
THE MAN WHO BECAME “MCSTEAMY”
Before audiences knew him as Mark Sloan, Eric Dane was simply a young actor trying to establish himself in Hollywood.
Born in San Francisco on November 9, 1972, Dane moved to Los Angeles after high school to pursue acting. During the 1990s, he began collecting television roles, appearing in shows including The Wonder Years, Saved by the Bell, Married… with Children and Charmed. He also appeared in films such as X-Men: The Last Stand.
Then came the role that changed his career.
In 2006, Dane joined Grey’s Anatomy as Dr. Mark Sloan.
The character was confident, charming and undeniably attractive. He was a highly successful plastic surgeon who seemed to know exactly how much attention he attracted.
The nickname “McSteamy” quickly followed.
But Mark Sloan wasn’t simply the handsome doctor who walked through the hospital looking confident.
As the character developed, viewers saw his more complicated side.
He made mistakes. He could be selfish and impulsive. His relationships were complicated. Yet he was also capable of deep loyalty, friendship and love.
His friendship with Derek Shepherd became one of the show’s defining relationships, while his romance with Lexie Grey became one of its most emotional storylines.
