Long after their days as Dr. Derek Shepherd and Dr. Mark Sloan, Patrick Dempsey and Eric Dane continue to stand by each other. After portraying close friends on Shonda Rhimes’ hit series “Grey’s Anatomy,” the two actors have remained connected well beyond their time on the show.
As Dane bravely faces a life-changing health battle, Dempsey is offering a rare, emotional insight into his friend’s strength and resilience.
In a recent interview with Parade, Dempsey, 60, shared that he has been texting and checking in on Dane following his ALS diagnosis, which Dane publicly revealed in April.
‘It’s Very Hard for Him’: Dempsey on Dane’s Health
Speaking with Parade in an interview published January 28, Dempsey said he had spoken with his longtime friend just weeks earlier.
“I spoke to him a few weeks ago,” Dempsey said, noting that he had hoped to bring Dane onto his new series, “Memory of a Killer.”
While the possibility of a reunion carried emotional meaning, Dempsey acknowledged the reality of Dane’s condition.
“Unfortunately, the progression of his disease made it virtually impossible,” he said. Still, Dempsey shared that Dane has continued working when he can.
“But I was happy to see that he was here in Toronto working on, I think, another medical drama [‘Brilliant Minds’],” he added. “It’s very hard for him, but I do try to stay in touch and see how he’s doing,” Dempsey said.
‘Incredibly Courageous’ in the Face of ALS
As Dane continues to navigate ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, Dempsey spoke openly about his respect for his friend’s strength.
“He’s been incredibly courageous in the face of this horrible disease,” Dempsey said.
“He’s such a wonderful human being. He has such a great sense of humor, and he’s so intelligent. I’ve always enjoyed working and being around Eric.”
Dane, now 53, is also known for his work on “Euphoria” and has remained open about his diagnosis, using his platform to raise awareness and advocate since sharing his condition publicly.
‘It’s Heartbreaking’ for Dane and His Family
Dempsey also reflected on the toll the disease has taken on Dane’s family, including his relationship with ex-wife Rebecca Gayheart and their daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14.
“It’s heartbreaking. It really is. For him and for his family,” Dempsey said. “You feel for them when you see this terrible disease and how quickly it attacks the body.”
Still, Dempsey emphasized that Dane has chosen to use his platform with purpose. “But he’s bringing a lot of light to that, and he’s using his platform in a positive way.”
How Dane Is Using His Voice Amid His ALS Diagnosis
Since revealing his diagnosis, Dane has spoken openly about why sharing his journey matters.
“I don’t feel like my life is about me anymore,” he said during a virtual panel hosted by I AM ALS.
“I would love my life to be all about me, but I just can’t,” he added, in the video, as shared by Entertainment Tonight. “I don’t think I would be able to move forward if that were the case. It’s been a propulsive sort of component to my existence.”
Dane concluded, “I want to make sure that people are aware of what ALS is and what it’s about, and more importantly, what we can do to combat it and improve the landscape.”
The friendship they formed years ago on the sets of “Grey’s Anatomy” remains a source of quiet support during one of life’s hardest seasons.
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Patrick Dempsey Gives Rare Update on Co-Star Eric Dane’s ALS Fight: ‘He’s Incredibly Courageous’