Patrick Dempsey Shares Emotional Update on Eric Dane’s ALS Battle

Patrick Dempsey has spoken candidly about his former Grey’s Anatomy co-star Eric Dane, who is currently battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The two actors, beloved by fans as “McDreamy” and “McSteamy,” shared the screen for years on Shonda Rhimes’ hit medical drama.

Staying Connected

In a new interview with Parade, Dempsey revealed that he recently spoke with Dane and even tried to secure him a role on his new Fox series, Memory of a Killer. Unfortunately, the progression of Dane’s illness made participation impossible.

“I’ve been texting with him,” Dempsey said. “We were trying to get him in [Killer], but unfortunately, the progression of his disease made it virtually impossible. But I was happy to see that he was here in Toronto working on another medical drama.”

Dane’s Courage on Screen

Despite his diagnosis, Dane has continued acting. In November 2025, he made a guest appearance on Brilliant Minds, portraying a firefighter living with ALS. The performance earned him a rare 10-minute standing ovation from the cast and crew. Series creator Michael Grassi praised the moment as “beautiful, honest, and real.”

Understanding ALS

ALS, sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease, causes progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. According to Johns Hopkins, the condition currently has no cure. Dane revealed his diagnosis in April 2025 and has since used his platform to raise awareness. In June, he traveled to Washington, D.C., where he met with U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Medicare Administrator Mehmet Oz to discuss reforms aimed at simplifying health insurance pre-authorization procedures.

Dempsey’s Reflections

Dempsey described Dane as courageous and resilient. “It’s very hard for him, but I do try to stay in touch and see how he’s doing,” he said. “He has such a great sense of humor, and he’s so intelligent. I’ve always enjoyed working and being around Eric. It’s heartbreaking. It really is—for him and for his family.” He added that Dane continues to bring light to the issue by speaking openly about his condition. “He’s using his platform in a positive way. I wish him the best.”

A Legacy of Friendship

Dempsey and Dane’s friendship dates back to their time on Grey’s Anatomy, where Dane played Dr. Mark Sloan for six seasons. Their bond has endured beyond the show, with Dempsey offering support during Dane’s health journey. For fans, the update is bittersweet—a reminder of Dane’s impact on television and his ongoing fight against a devastating illness.