Eric Dane’s family was “saddened” that he was left out of the 2026 Oscars “In Memoriam” tribute.
A source close to the actor’s ex-wife, Rebecca Gayheart, told TMZ that the two were depressed but understood that “it was a year of great loss for the industry.”
Academy officials told the media that there was no malicious intent and that it was due to a lack of broadcast time on Sunday.
Although they will not be included in the main broadcast, all fallen stars will be listed on the Academy’s website’s “In Memoriam” page.
TMZ reported that Dane’s family was relieved to know he was being honored here.
The “Grey’s Anatomy” alum passed away on February 19 after battling ALS.
Dane shared 15-year-old Billy and 14-year-old Georgia with Gayheart.
The former couple separated in 2017 after 13 years of marriage, but Gayheart withdrew her divorce filing in March 2025, just before the “Euphoria” star announced her heartbreaking diagnosis.
Also left out of the memorial was James Van Der Beek, who lost his battle with colon cancer just weeks before Dane’s death.
The “Dawson’s Creek” star was married to his wife of 15 years, Kimberly, at the time of his death. The couple had six children: daughters Olivia, Annabelle, Emilia, and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah.
“What a missed opportunity,” one person wrote of the pair’s snub, while another countered: “We were wrong to exclude them.”
Many fans pointed out that although Van Der Beek and Dane are primarily known for their work on television, they have both appeared in several films throughout their careers.
The actors died just a month before the coveted awards ceremony, just as Michelle Trachtenberg passed away last year. The “Gossip Girl” star’s disdain rippled out after the 2025 ceremony.
In addition to Van Der Beek and Dane, actress Brigitte Bardot, “The Cosby Show” alum Malcolm-Jamal Warner and “Lizzie McGuire” father Robert Carradine were also removed from this year’s tribute segment.
Bardot died in December at the age of 91, and Carradine took her own life in February after battling bipolar disorder.
Warner drowned in Costa Rica in July at the age of 54 while on a family vacation.
On Sunday, big stars including Catherine O’Hara, Robert Duvall and Diane Ladd were honored in an extended tribute to Rob Reiner, Diane Keaton and Robert Redford.
