Grey’s Anatomy's Patrick Dempsey recalls Eric Dane’s final days, "It’s hard to put into words"

Patrick Dempsey and Eric Dane were longtime friends

• Eric Dane, 53, passed away after battling ALS.
• Patrick Dempsey recalled Dane's humor and their close bond.
• Dane was surrounded by family and honored for ALS advocacy.

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Grey's Anatomy fame Eric Dane passed away at the age of 53. Tributes started pouring in soon after his death news was made public. However, Patrick Dempsey has recently shed light on the last days of Eric.

Following his struggle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), actor Patrick Dempsey recalled the enthusiasm and humour he brought to the set. Patrick called Eric "the funniest man" and "such a joy to work with."

Patrick acknowledged in a statement following the discovery that he had communicated with Eric only a week prior.

He said, “It’s hard to put into words.” He also noted that he felt “so sad for his children”.

According to his representatives, Eric Dane passed away surrounded by his wife and kids, Georgia and Billie.

Patrick Dempsey, who costarred with Eric on Grey's Anatomy, recalled their immediate connection. He made light of their first scene together, in which Eric appeared "in all his glory" with a towel around his waist. Fans were deeply affected by that moment.

But there was pain hidden beneath the laughter. Eric Dane's condition has drastically deteriorated, Patrick revealed. He had lost his capacity to talk, was bedridden, and had trouble swallowing.

In 2025, Eric Dane revealed his diagnosis publicly and went on to become a strong supporter of ALS research. He spoke openly about the disease's toll in interviews and public appearances.

He explained, “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.

Also Read: Who was Eric Dane? The Grey's Anatomy actor who passed away after suffering from ASL at 53

From 2006 to 2012, Eric Dane's most well-known role was that of Dr. Mark "McSteamy" Sloan on Grey's Anatomy. Later, he found a new audience in Euphoria as Cal Jacobs. The poignancy of his last appearances was especially evident in Brilliant Minds in 2025, where he played a firefighter with ALS.

Celebrities like Kevin McKidd and Ashton Kutcher also paid their respects. But perhaps Dempsey's statement, "remembering the laughter," best encapsulated Dane.