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Franklin Today
By the People, for the People
Patrick Dempsey Shares Heartbreaking Details About Eric Dane's Final Days
The Grey's Anatomy co-stars had been in touch just a week before Dane's passing at 53 after a battle with ALS.
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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Patrick Dempsey, who co-starred with Eric Dane on Grey's Anatomy for six seasons, shared heartbreaking details about Dane's final days before he passed away at the age of 53 following a yearlong battle with ALS. Dempsey revealed that he had spoken to Dane about a week before his death and learned that Dane's condition had rapidly deteriorated, leaving him bed-ridden and struggling to speak and swallow. Dempsey fondly remembered Dane's great sense of humor and the joy he brought to the set, and commended Dane for being open about his ALS diagnosis in his final days.
Why it matters
Dane's death at a relatively young age due to the devastating effects of ALS has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from his former co-stars and colleagues, highlighting the impact he had on those around him and the importance of raising awareness about this terminal illness.
The details
In the interview, Dempsey shared that in their last conversation a week before Dane's death, he learned that Dane's ALS had progressed rapidly, leaving him bed-ridden and struggling to speak and swallow. Dempsey also reflected on his fond memories of working with Dane on Grey's Anatomy, describing him as the "funniest man" who brought so much joy to the set with his great sense of humor. Dempsey said their working relationship quickly turned into a lasting friendship that spanned two decades.
- Dane passed away on February 19, 2026 at the age of 53 after a yearlong battle with ALS.
- Dempsey spoke to Dane about a week before his death.
The players
Patrick Dempsey
An American actor who co-starred with Eric Dane on Grey's Anatomy for six seasons.
Eric Dane
An American actor best known for his role as Dr. Mark "McSteamy" Sloan on the medical drama series Grey's Anatomy. He passed away at the age of 53 after a yearlong battle with ALS.
What they’re saying
“I just woke up this morning, and I was very sad to read the news. It's hard to put into words. I feel really so sad for his children. I was corresponding with him, we were texting. So I spoke to him about a week ago.”
— Patrick Dempsey, Actor (Virgin Radio UK)
“He was the funniest man. He's such a joy to work with, and I want to just remember him in that spirit. Anytime he was on set, he brought so much fun to it. He had a great sense of humor. He was easy to work with. We got along instantly.”
— Patrick Dempsey, Actor (Virgin Radio UK)
“He did an incredible job at bringing awareness to this horrible disease in those remaining days, which was really brave him of him to do. It just reminds us that we have to celebrate every day like it's our last day.”
— Patrick Dempsey, Actor (Virgin Radio UK)
The takeaway
Dane's passing at a young age due to ALS has highlighted the devastating impact of this terminal illness and the importance of raising awareness and funding research to find a cure. Dempsey's heartfelt tribute to his longtime friend and co-star underscores the lasting impact Dane had on those around him through his talent, humor, and bravery in his final days.
