Transgender actress and activist Alexandra Billings shared a deeply moving memory of working alongside Eric Dane on Grey's Anatomy back in 2006.
In a moving tribute video posted following Dane's death, Billings, 63, reflected on their time together filming the season three episode 'Where the Boys Are,' in which she portrayed Donna Gibson, a trans woman navigating a breast cancer diagnosis while in the midst of transitioning.
Billings recalled opening up to Dane, who starred opposite her as Dr. Mark Sloan, on set about her real-life experience transitioning in the 1980s, explaining how her doctor would show quiet, grounding support during difficult conversations.
'[The doctor] would let me know he saw me, no matter what we were talking about,' she explained.
Moved by the story, Dane made a spontaneous choice during their scene to hold Billings' hand to mirror the compassion she had described.
According to Billings, she was later told that her emotional monologue would be cut for time. That's when Dane stepped in.
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Transgender actress and activist Alexandra Billings shared a deeply moving memory of working alongside Eric Dane on Grey's Anatomy
'[Eric] turns to me and he says very quietly, he says, "What are the five most important things you say in that monologue?"' she recalled. 'And I told him! … one of them was about my wife.'
Dane then suggested they improvise.
'He said, "Say that and we'll do a little improvisation,"' Billings continued.
She recalled how Dane even turned to the boom mic operator for input - who enthusiastically agreed. 'So they were all for it. And that's what you see in the episode.'
The result, Billings said, was transformative.
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'It changed everything for me,' she said. 'There was no reason in the world for him to do that. It didn't have anything to do with him. Time is money, especially in television.'
Fighting back tears, Billings praised Dane as 'one of the kindest, most empathetic humans' she had ever worked with, adding that moments like that were incredibly rare in her career.
'Eric Dane showed everyone on that set what a true ally looks like. It's not just talk,' she said. 'An ally is present even when there's danger in them being present.'
Billings recalled opening up to Dane on set about her real-life experience transitioning in the 1980s, explaining how her doctor would show her support during difficult conversations
She concluded the tribute with words she said she never had the chance to tell him directly.
'Thank you, Eric. Thank you. From all of us.'
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Billings captioned the video with a personal note, signing it as her character Donna and adding that the episode later went on to win a GLAAD Award for Best Writing, an outcome she described as deeply vindicating.
Underneath the post, one fan commented: 'Omg I had no idea. Love this story. Absolutely loved him on Grey's.'
'I’m not crying, you’re crying! Thank you so much for sharing that beautiful story. I very distinctly remember your brilliant performance in that episode,' another wrote.
Billings portrayed Donna Gibson, a trans woman navigating a breast cancer diagnosis while in the midst of transitioning, on the season three episode 'Where the Boys Are'
Billings pictured alongside Dane and Ellen Pompeo
A third gushed: 'Wow!! I remember that episode! Thank you for sharing this lovely and heartbreaking story.'
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Eric Dane died at age 53, with his family confirming his passing in a statement to People, less than a year after he publicly revealed his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis.
His death came on the 20th anniversary of his first appearance on Grey's Anatomy, which aired on February 19, 2006.
Following the news, tributes poured in from across the Grey's Anatomy family.
Kate Walsh shared throwback photos and an emotional message remembering Dane's sensitivity, vulnerability and the close bond formed among the cast during the show's early years.
Fighting back tears, Billings praised Dane as 'one of the kindest, most empathetic humans' she had ever worked with (seen in April 2022)
Other castmates, including Kevin McKidd and Sarah Drew, also shared brief but heartfelt messages honoring the late actor.
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In a statement to Deadline, 20th Television praised Dane's 'remarkable talent' and noted that his courage during his battle with ALS inspired many.
Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes similarly honored him as a beloved member of the Shondaland family whose portrayal of Dr. Sloan left an indelible mark on the series.
A special on-air tribute to Dane is set to air in an upcoming episode of Grey's Anatomy.
