Kevin McKidd confirms Grey's Anatomy paid 'intentional' tribute to Eric Dane in season 22 finale
Grey's Anatomy actor Kevin McKidd directed the season 22 finale, and he has confirmed the closing montage was a deliberate nod to his late co-star Eric Dane.
Kevin McKidd says Grey's Anatomy paid a "very intentional" tribute to Eric Dane in the season 22 finale.
The 52-year-old actor has revealed that the finale montage on Thursday's (07.05.26) episode - which he directed - was created specifically to honour the late star, who died aged 53 in February and previously played Dr. Mark Sloan on the ABC hospital drama.
He told PEOPLE magazine: "Yeah, it was very intentional we did that."
Meanwhile, McKidd has left the show after playing Dr. Owen Hunt since 2008, and he can still recall his first day on set.
He said: "I met Mark Sloan [Dane] and Derek Shepherd [Patrick Dempsey] at the elevators with Richard Webber [James Pickens Jr.]."
While McKidd was "terrified" joining "such a huge show", his castmates "were so welcoming to me".
He added: "These were two sort of giants in the TV world at that time, and I’m this new guy showing up on the show — the Scottish theatre actor.”
McKidd remembered how "funny" Dane was.
He said: “He had one of the funniest, driest senses of humor that I’d ever come across.
“He had that amazing ability with that character to make everything kind of hilarious.
“He’s missed. He will always be part of the Grey’s family.”
In another interview, McKidd - who originally joined the show "as a guest star" with no idea how long his stint would be - promised he will still be behind the camera on Grey's Anatomy after helming almost 50 episodes to date.
He told E! News: "I'll be back to direct on the show for sure."
Dane died on February 18, nearly a year after publicly revealing his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
The late actor's family confirmed his death in a statement to PEOPLE.
They said: “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”
They added: “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight.
"He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
