Eric Dane became one of this generation’s most beloved actors due to his sheer magnetism, incredible range, and his gift for breathing life into complicated characters. During over 145 episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, he gave us charm, laughs, and surprising vulnerability, building one of TV’s greatest bromances and love stories.
In his career, Dane went from heartthrob doctor to the deeply troubled Cal Jacobs in Euphoria, where his raw, intense performance had critics raving. But those aren’t his only roles worth noting, and here are 10 Eric Dane’s most iconic roles, ranked in an ascending order.
10. Nathan Blythe in Countdown (2025)
Dane’s most recent work included playing in an Amazon Prime thriller as an FBI Special Agent Nathan Blythe. He characterized Blythe as someone with real influence and power, and made every scene he was in feel like a big deal.
The release is especially poignant as it was one of the last projects the world saw him in. He was really committed to the role, showing the struggle to balance it with his health issues. The critics really did appreciate the role, and it became a final testament to his work ethic.
9. Marcus in Burlesque (2010)
Dane was also in Burlesque as the Marcus Gerber character. He starred in the film alongside big names like Cher and Christina Aguilera. He was not the main character, however he did really help to complete the cast of the film.
This movie really did showcase his ability to adapt to a big budget musical and hold his own. This is, of course, just one of the many roles in his extensive repertoire that exemplifies his many-sided talent.
8. Jason Dean in Charmed (2003–2006)
Do you recall the time when Charmed featured Dane as Jason Dean? He played this smooth media mogul who eventually became Phoebe Halliwell’s boyfriend. Dane’s performance stood out amongst the fantastical elements of the show because he was one of the few “normal” characters in it.
He was relatable as he was attempting to make sense of the Halliwell’s magical tricks. That down to earth quality is the reason he was so popular. Reflecting on the Charmed role now, it is obvious that it was the ideal role to get him noticed for fantasy and romance roles that would propel his career to the next level.
7. Sean Jackson in Valentine’s Day (2010)
Dane also starred in Garry Marshall’s holiday film as Sean Jackson, a pro football player with a lot on his plate as he juggled work, romance, and a holiday a chaos. His experience made his performance all the more relatable, especially with the addition of Jessica Biel.
It was the role that defined him as an actor that fit the comforting films type that the audience enjoys so much, and holiday rom coms in particular. His performance is still praised, as he added genuine comfort to holiday films instead of the anticipated cliched romance.
6. Multiple Man in X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
Do you recall the moment Dane entered as mutant Jamie Madrox, also known as Multiple Man, in this huge Marvel/Fox superhero movie? Although it was just a cameo, the timing could not be better as he was just breaking through as a household name with Grey’s Anatomy.
His role in X-Men: The Last Stand gave us a first glimpse of his own genre work, and it has become like a fun little Easter egg for fans.
5. James McGrath in Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)
Dane also portrayed the icy villain, James McGrath, in this action packed sequel with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. But what was so chilling about his performance? It was quiet and very calculated, which cut through the humor of the franchise.
Even though Dane was in this series late in his career and was not a lead, he was in control with his cool and calm presence, which matched Smith’s and Lawrence’s energy. He showed that he was in control of this multibillion dollar world and it was one of his last roles that critics praised the most.
4. Sebastian Tunney in Marley & Me (2008)
Marley & Me was such a great movie, and as a Dane fan, you’ll be glad to remember him as Sebastian Tunney. He may not have had the primary role, that went to Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, and a troublesome Labrador, but Wilson’s warmth as a companion was really positive.
It’s the type of role that reminds you why people like him so much. The honesty with which he does his work is what makes him a great actor. The film was a great success and, as a result, became a movie that was seen by many every Christmas.
3. Captain Tom Chandler in The Last Ship (2014–2018)
When Dane took over Tom Chandler’s role in The Last Ship, he essentially became our action hero. He starred as a Navy commander attempting to save humanity while guiding a destroyer through one crisis after another.
For five seasons, Dane dominated every scene with his incredible leader performance against impossible decisions and world-ending circumstances. This was an enormous leading role for him after leaving Seattle Grace, and boy, did he impress. He captivated fans with his presence, and critics were unanimous that this guy could hold an action series as well as he could heat up a medical drama.
2. Cal Jacobs in Euphoria (2019–2026)
Dane’s portrayal of Cal Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria was a complete 180-degree turn from his McSteamy days. He was no longer that charming doctor next door. Cal was dark and complicated. Here was a man struggling with secrets and a double life that was highly unsettling.
But this was the reason why it was so good. Dane committed to this intense role, for which critics praised his versatility. Who would have thought the heartthrob could cause so much discomfort? It was one of those performances that sparked conversations. It was bold and sophisticated and it was further evidence of Dane’s amazing ability in drama.
1. Dr. Mark Sloan in Grey’s Anatomy (2006–2021)
Eric Dane’s performance as Mark “McSteamy” Sloan set the virtual world ablaze. That towel scene was Iconic! McSteamy didn’t just walk in, he redefined all the TV heartthrobs.
In Grey’s Anatomy, viewers saw him handle everything from the complicated bromance with Derek Shepherd to the tragic romance with Lexie Grey. He dealt with fatherhood and tragedy and made audiences invest in a character who easily could have been a one-dimensional pretty boy. Mark grew to be a character who, despite his flaws, was impossible not to love.