Actor Patrick Dempsey has led heartfelt tributes to his former Grey’s Anatomy co-star Eric Dane, who has died aged 53 following his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Dempsey described Dane as “the funniest man” and “such a joy to work with”, recalling the energy and humour he brought to set.
Speaking after the news broke, Dempsey admitted he had been in touch with Dane just a week earlier. “It’s hard to put into words,” he said, adding that he felt “so sad for his children”. Dane spent his final days surrounded by his wife and daughters, Billie and Georgia, as confirmed by his representatives.
What did Patrick Dempsey say about Eric Dane?
Dempsey, who starred alongside Dane in Grey’s Anatomy, remembered their instant rapport. He joked about 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 humour was heartbreak. Dempsey revealed that Dane’s condition had rapidly worsened. He had become bedridden, struggled to swallow, and was losing his ability to speak.
How did Eric Dane raise awareness about ALS?
After publicly disclosing his diagnosis in 2025, Dane became a vocal advocate for ALS research. He used interviews and public appearances to speak candidly about the toll of the disease, once explaining, “My left side is functioning; my right side has completely stopped working.”
ALS, the most common form of motor neurone disease, is terminal, with an average life expectancy of three to five years after diagnosis.
Which roles defined his career?
Dane was best known as Dr Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy from 2006 to 2012. He later reached a new audience as Cal Jacobs in Euphoria.
His final performances were layered with poignancy, particularly when he portrayed a firefighter with ALS in Brilliant Minds in 2025.
Hollywood figures including Ashton Kutcher and Kevin McKidd also paid tribute. Yet it was Dempsey’s words — remembering the laughter — that perhaps captured Dane best.
