Who is Mark Sloan in Grey's Anatomy?

Last Modified Mar 6, 2025 14:31 EST
Who is Mark Sloan in Grey's Anatomy
Mark Sloan (Source: ABC)


Mark Everett Sloan, or “McSteamy”, is a fictional character in the American medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. Actor Eric Dane plays the fictitious character Mark Everett Sloan, M.D., F.A.C.S. in the ABC television series Grey's Anatomy.


Shonda Rhimes, the show's creator and executive producer, created the character, who debuted in Season 2 as Derek Shepherd's (Patrick Dempsey) closest old friend. Although Mark was an important part of Derek's life, his affair with Derek's wife, Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh), caused a dispute between them and ultimately led to Derek's first marriage failing.


Grey's Anatomy is an American medical drama that centers on the personal and professional lives of attendings, residents, and surgical interns at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, which was subsequently renamed the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The pilot was written by Shonda Rhimes, who also served as executive producer, head writer, and showrunner until her departure in 2015.


Mark Sloan in Grey’s Anatomy


Mark Sloan debuted in season 2 of the American medical drama Grey’s Anatomy. He is the childhood best friend of neurosurgeon Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) and a renowned plastic surgeon with expertise in otorhinolaryngology. Derek hits him in the face when he makes his debut appearance and flirts with Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo), Derek's girlfriend.


In an effort to make amends with Derek, Mark moves to Seattle in Season 3 and takes a position at Seattle Grace Hospital as the new attending plastic surgeon. The female interns called him "McSteamy" because of his appealing looks. Mark's romantic involvement with one of his interns, Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh), was a major plot element in the show. A major feature of the series was their episodic romance, which demonstrated their strong bond despite their complicated relationship.


When both Mark and Lexie suffered serious injuries in an airplane accident in the Season 8 finale, their destinies were decided. Despite surviving the collision at first, Mark passes away from his wounds in the first few episodes of season nine. In memory of Mark and Lexie, Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital has been renamed the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.


From being a charming but womanizing surgeon to a man who genuinely cared for those close to him, particularly Lexie, Derek, and Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez), Mark's character was commended for its complexity. His death is still regarded as one of the most heartbreaking scenes in the entire series.


Who played McSteamy on Grey’s Anatomy?


Who is Mark Sloan in Grey's Anatomy
Eric Dane as Mark Sloan. (Source: ABC)


Eric Willian Dane played the role of Mark Sloan, nicknamed “McSteamy” in the American medical drama series Grey’s Anatomy.


Dane was chosen to play Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy (2006–2012; 2021) following several television performances in the 1990s and 2000s, including his recurring role as Jason Dean in Charmed. Dane first appeared in "Yesterday," the 18th episode of the second season of the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy, in 2005 as Dr. Mark Sloan. Due to the character's favorable feedback from viewers, Dane was cast as a regular in the third season of the television drama.


After season 8 concluded, Dane left the show but he made an appearance in the first two episodes of season 9. After his character was killed off, Dane made a brief reappearance on the show after nine years in 2021.


Related: When does Alex leave Grey anatomy

FAQs about Mark Sloan in Grey’s Anatomy

A. Mark passes away from his wounds in the first few episodes of season nine. After surviving the airplane crash during the conclusion of season 8, Mark eventually succumbs to his pain and wounds.

A. No, Mark Sloan isn’t Derek’s brother. However, the two grew close overtime and since they were childhood best friends, their bond reflected similar to that of brothers.

A. Sophia Sloan Robbin Toress is Mark's daughter with Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez). He co-parented her along with Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) and Callie Torres. Out of another fling/affair, Mark also had another daughter who was already 18 by the time she first met Mark in season 6 of the series.

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