Patrick Dempsey recently talked about his Grey’s Anatomy co-star Eric Dane’s final moments before his passing due to ALS.
During an appearance on Virgin Radio UK’s Chris Evans Breakfast Show, Dempsey shared, “I was in touch with him just about a week ago. Some friends of ours visited him, and he was really beginning to struggle with speech.” He continued, “He was bedridden and had significant difficulty swallowing; his quality of life was declining quickly.” Dempsey expressed sadness upon hearing the news, remarking, “I woke up this morning to read about it, and it really hit hard.”
After pausing to collect his thoughts, he added, “It’s tough to articulate. My heart goes out to his children.”
Dane leaves behind his daughters, Billie and Georgia, with his ex-wife Rebecca Gayheart. They tied the knot in 2004, but their divorce was finalized in March 2025.
Dempsey mentioned that during their last conversation, Dane was increasingly losing his ability to communicate. “He was bedridden and struggling to swallow, which made things really difficult for him,” he reflected.
Remembering the good times, Dempsey called Dane “the funniest guy” and emphasized how enjoyable he was to work with. “I want to hold onto that memory of him, full of life and laughter, especially when he was on set with us,” he said, noting their immediate connection from their first meeting.
Dempsey vividly recalled Dane’s debut as Mark Sloan in Season 2, saying, “His first scene was something else—coming out of the bathroom in just a towel. I have to admit, I felt pretty intimidated.” Their bond grew because there was no sense of competition; instead, there was mutual admiration. Dempsey fondly remembered the joyful moments they shared.
The actor, known for his role in Euphoria, was commended for highlighting ALS awareness through his work on “The Days We Left.” Dempsey remarked, “He has significantly raised awareness about this devastating illness, teaching us to cherish each day.” He encouraged listeners to value time with family and to be kind and supportive in a world filled with challenges.
Dempsey was among the Grey’s Anatomy cast members who honored Dane, who tragically died at age 53. In a statement released by his family, they expressed profound sorrow over his loss, stating, “Eric passed away Thursday afternoon after a brave fight against ALS. He was a devoted advocate for awareness and research, eager to help others facing similar struggles.”
The family also requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time, emphasizing how deeply he will be missed and remembered with affection. Dane first publicized his diagnosis in April 2025 and continued to act despite increasingly losing control of his limbs. His most recent role was in NBC’s “Brilliant Minds,” where he portrayed a firefighter diagnosed with ALS.
