Ellen Pompeo and Eric Dane are longtime friends. The two, who became close as Meredith Gray and Mark Sloan on the set of Grey’s Anatomy, remained friends even after her character ended in 2012, while she continued to appear regularly on the show for several years. Speaking at the ALS Network Champions for Cure & Care Gala via a pre-recorded message shared by People, the actress recalled contacting him after learning about her diagnosis in April 2025.
Ellen Pompeo immediately offered help due to Eric Dane’s ALS diagnosis
Ellen Pompeo is opening up about the conversation she had with Eric Dane after he revealed he was suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in early 2025. She recalled the moment she decided to contact him, “As soon as I heard about his diagnosis, I texted him, and I said, ‘I’m here if you want to talk.’ And my phone rang 30 seconds later.”
The 56-year-old woman promised her dear friend that she would help him. "Whatever you need, I can help though. I love you." In the message, he shared a personal note for fellow on-screen doctor, "I am really proud of you. I love you so much and I’m honored to have the chance to speak about you today."
While neither Pompeo nor Danes were present at the event in person, the latter having to cancel shortly before it was to begin due to his health, they joined via video message projected on a screen. The Good American Family star revisits their first meeting as two young actors on the set of the Shonda Rhimes show and explains how they made her feel,"I remember when he came on as McSteamy and we had instant electric chemistry, and I fell in love with him instantly." The 53-year-old played the skilled plastic surgeon from 2002 to 2012, after which his character only appeared in a cameo in 2021.
Also read: Eric Dane loses motor function of right hand amid ALS diagnosis, tears in his eyes as he talks about the future: ‘I’m fighting…’
