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Patrick Dempsey shares emotional tribute to Grey’s Anatomy co-star Eric Dane, revealing they texted a week before the actor’s death from ALS.
Patrick Dempsey and Eric Dane in Grey’s Anatomy.
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Eric Dane, who passed away at 53 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. As tributes pour in, one of the most heartfelt messages has come from his longtime co-star and friend Patrick Dempsey.
Dane, best known for playing Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and Cal Jacobs on Euphoria, died on February 19, his family confirmed. In a statement shared with People, his loved ones said he passed away surrounded by close friends, his devoted wife and his two daughters, Billie and Georgia.
“I Spoke To Him About A Week Ago”
Speaking on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Friday morning, Dempsey revealed that he had been in touch with Dane shortly before his passing.
“I just woke up this morning, and I was very sad to read the news,” Dempsey said. “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,” he added.
The actor remembered Dane not just as a co-star, but as a friend with an infectious personality. “He had a great sense of humor,” Dempsey said. “He was easy to work with, we got along instantly.”
Their bond dates back to 2005, when Dane made his first appearance as the charismatic Dr. Mark Sloan in Season 2 of Grey’s Anatomy. The character quickly became a fan favorite, earning Dane a series regular spot in subsequent seasons until his character was written off in Season 8.
A Life In Front Of The Camera
Born in San Francisco in 1972, Dane grew up in the Bay Area and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. His portrayal of “McSteamy” on Grey’s Anatomy cemented his status as a television heartthrob. Years later, he introduced audiences to a darker, more complex character as Cal Jacobs in HBO’s Euphoria, appearing across the show’s first two seasons and reprising the role in its third.
Dane had publicly shared his ALS diagnosis in 2025 and used his platform to advocate for awareness and research around the disease. His family’s statement described him as a devoted father who spent his final days surrounded by those he loved most.
“He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always,” the statement read, adding that the family has requested privacy during this time.
Dane is survived by his two daughters, who, according to those close to him, were the center of his world.
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Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)
February 21, 2026, 02:36 IST
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