Share and Follow
Ellen Pompeo recently shared a heartfelt moment she experienced with her former Grey’s Anatomy co-star, Eric Dane, following the news of his ALS diagnosis. This revelation came during the ALS Network Champions for Cures & Care Gala on January 24.
The 56-year-old actress recounted the poignant exchange in a pre-recorded message, which was highlighted by People. She explained how she immediately reached out to Dane upon hearing of his condition. “When I learned about his diagnosis, I texted him saying, ‘I’m here if you want to talk,'” Pompeo revealed. “Within half a minute, my phone was ringing.”
During their conversation, Pompeo offered her unwavering support, assuring Dane, “I’m here for whatever you need, in any way I can. I love you.”
Expressing her admiration, she concluded, “I’m really proud of you. I love you so much, and it’s an honor to be speaking about you today.”
“I’m really proud of you. I love you so much and I am honored to get to speak about you today,” she added.
Pompeo also gave a lighthearted memory of Dane and how he made an instant impact on her when he joined season 2 as Dr. Mark Sloan.
“I remember when he came in as McSteamy and us having instant electric chemistry, and I immediately just fell in love with him,” she noted.
Dane was scheduled to receive the Advocate of the Year award, but canceled “due to the physical realities of ALS” and not being “well enough to attend,” the ALS Network confirmed to People.
The “Grey’s Anatomy” alum, 53 — who’s been open about his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — revealed his diagnosis in April 2025.
Back in September 2025, he was spotted in a wheelchair at an airport in Washington, DC, and shared an inspiring message for fans who were concerned about him.
“Keep the faith, man,” Dane replied in a stilted voice in footage obtained by the Daily Mail.
Despite his disease’s progression, the father of two has said he has no plans to stop acting.
During a panel discussion put on by I Am ALS and “Brilliant Minds” in December 2025, he shared that he’ll take on “ALS-centric” roles in the future because he is “fairly limited in what [he] can do physically.”
“I still have my brain, and I still have my speech,” he said; but noted that he was “willing to do just about anything.”