Patrick Dempsey reflects on Grey’s Anatomy co-star Eric Dane’s final days
Actor Patrick Dempsey has paid an emotional tribute to Eric Dane following his death at the age of 53, remembering their last conversation and the laughs they shared.
Actor Patrick Dempsey has paid an emotional tribute to his former actor. gray’s anatomy Co-star Eric Dane, who has died aged 53 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Dempsey recalled the energy and humor he brought to the set, describing Dane as “the funniest guy” and “a joy to work with.”
After the news broke, Dempsey admitted that he had been in contact with Dane a week earlier. “It’s hard to put into words,” he said. He said he felt “a lot of grief for his children.” As confirmed by his representatives, Dane spent his final days surrounded by his wife and daughters, Billie and Georgia.
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What did Patrick Dempsey say about Eric Dane?
Dempsey, who starred with Dane gray’s anatomyRemembered their instant rapport. They teased their first scene together – Dane emerging “in all his glory” with a towel wrapped around his waist – a moment that left a lasting impression on fans.
But behind the humor was heartbreak. Dempsey revealed that Dane’s condition had deteriorated rapidly. He was paralyzed, having difficulty swallowing and losing the ability to speak.
How did Eric Dane raise awareness of ALS?
After publicly disclosing his diagnosis in 2025, Dane became a vocal supporter of ALS research. He used interviews and public appearances to talk openly about deaths from the disease, once explaining, “My left side is working; my right side has completely stopped working.”
ALS, the most common form of motor neurone disease, is terminal, with the average life expectancy after diagnosis being three to five years.
Which roles defined his career?
Dane was known as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan gray’s anatomy From 2006 to 2012. He later reached new audiences as Cal Jacobs Excitement.
His final performance was full of poignancy, especially when he played a firefighter with ALS in Brilliant Minds in 2025.
Hollywood celebrities including Ashton Kutcher and Kevin McKidd also paid tribute. Yet it was Dempsey’s words – recalling the laughter – that perhaps best captured Dane.
