Eric Dane died on the 20th anniversary of his first appearance on Grey's Anatomy. Dane's loved ones confirmed his death in a statement on Thursday, February 19, following his battle with ALS, noting that the actor "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." The same day also marked 20 years since he made his debut on ABC's Grey's Anatomy. Dane was introduced in the role of Dr. Mark Sloan in season 2, episode 18 - titled "Yesterday" - which aired on February 19, 2006.