Actor Patrick Dempsey has opened up about his Grey’s Anatomy co-star Eric Dane’s ALS struggle. While Dempsey left the medical drama series in 2015, Dane left the show much before him, in 2012. During an exclusive interview with Parade, published on January 29, Dempsey said that he had spoken to Dane. They have also been in touch over text.He said that they have been trying to get Eric on Memory of a Killer. However, the progression of the disease made it difficult. Meanwhile, Patrick Dempsey said he was happy to see Eric Dane on a recent episode of Brilliant Minds. He shared:“It’s very hard for him, but I do try to stay in touch and see how he’s doing. I think he’s been incredibly courageous in the face of this horrible disease. 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.”Patrick Dempsey also said:“It’s heartbreaking. It really is. For him and for his family. You feel for them when you see this terrible disease and how quickly it attacks the body. But he’s bringing a lot of light to that, and he’s using his platform in a positive way. I wish him the best.” View this post on Instagram Instagram PostEric Dane spoke about his ALS diagnosis for the first time in April 2025. He remembered that he initially started experiencing weakness in his right hand. Despite that, he would keep fighting till his last breath.How did the Grey’s Anatomy cast members react to Eric Dane’s ALS diagnosis?In October 2025, Entertainment Tonight spoke to the cast members of Grey’s Anatomy about Eric Dane’s ALS journey. Actor James Pickens Jr. said he reached out to Eric to tell him that they were praying for him. Pickens said that the disease was also personal to him, as his long-time agent died due to ALS. Kevin McKidd said:“His bravery is impressive. You know, I am not sure how I would deal with it honestly. I probably just, you know, lock myself away. I am quite a private person so I am really impressed by how he is dealing with it and kind of shedding a light on ALS and I just wish him all the best, you know.”Actress Chandra Wilson said everyone has their own way of dealing with things. She said Eric Dane has that grace to allow people be a part of his ALS journey. When asked if she had been in touch with Eric, Wilson said:“You know, right at the beginning, we all did a reach out. We are the pillows and comforters for, you know, our show community. And it’s always like, ‘What do you need?,’ ‘Where do you need it?’”Similarly, Kim Raver said they wished Eric the best. Eric Dane said he desired to share his journey with the world. That's what he said about appearing on Brilliant Minds. He felt his life was not only about him anymore.Also Read: Eric Dane's complete filmography explored as actor vows to "fight till the last breath" amid ALS battle