“Grey’s Anatomy” creator Shonda Rhimes just isn’t offended over the exclusion of Eric Dane from the Oscars’ televised In Memoriam part. Dane, who died in February at 53 years outdated after a battle with ALS, was one among a number of distinguished actors who weren’t included within the In Memoriam phase. James Van Der Beek, Brigitte Bardot, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Robert Carradine, and “Harold and Maude” star Bud Cort have been additionally excluded.
“Well, he’s not a movie star,” Rhimes instructed Entertainment Tonight after the Oscars amid immediate backlash over Dane and different actors’ omissions. “I feel like when the Emmys come around, he will be immortalized the way he should be. I don’t think… we can’t fault the Oscars for the fact they’re looking at movies, and there were so many people who were lost… Eric was unique to television.”
The Oscars’ In Memoriam part was expanded this yr throughout the dwell ceremony to incorporate bigger tributes to Robert Redford, Diane Keaton and Rob Reiner. Barbra Streisand sang elements of “The Way We Were” to honor co-star Redford, whereas Keaton’s “The Family Stone” co-star Rachel McAdams gave a heartfelt speech honoring the “Annie Hall” Oscar winner. Reiner’s tribute was one of many emotional highs of the Oscars, Billy Crystal paying tribute to his expensive buddy after which being joined on stage by dozens of actors from Reiner’s motion pictures, from Kathy Bates to Meg Ryan, Jerry O’Connell, Annette Bening and extra.
“Eric is—was an incredible human being,” Rhimes instructed ET. “And I still say ‘is’ because it’s very hard for me to believe he’s gone. He was a huge loss for us. He was a huge loss for the Shondaland family, for the ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ family, and honestly the people that he knew. He was just a wonderful, wonderful giving guy. And I don’t think everybody understands how amazing he was.”
Dane appeared as Dr. Mark Sloan, memorabaly dubbed McSteamy, for 145 episodes of the ABC medical drama. On behalf of her firm, Shondaland, Rhimes wrote within the hours after Dane’s loss of life that he “was a beloved member of the Shondaland and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ families. He was truly a gifted actor whose portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan left an indelible mark on the series and on audiences around the world.”
“We are grateful for the artistry, spirit, friendship and humanity he shared with us for so many years. Our hearts are with his family, loved ones, and all who were touched by his work,” Rhimes concluded on the time.
