Patrick Dempsey is honoring the memory of his friend and former co-star Eric Dane, reflecting on both his legacy and the outpouring of love that followed his passing.
Speaking in a recent radio interview, Dempsey described the loss as deeply personal, comparing it to losing family members and close friends in recent years. Dane, who died on February 19 after battling ALS, had publicly shared his diagnosis in April 2025 and remained open about his health struggles.
Dempsey said he believes Dane would have been touched to know how widely he was admired. He noted that many people reached out to offer support before Dane’s passing, and that the affection shown by fans and colleagues alike speaks volumes about the impact he had. “He was so beloved,” Dempsey shared, adding that his friend would have been comforted by that knowledge.
The two actors worked together for years on Grey’s Anatomy, with Dempsey starring from season one through season eleven and Dane appearing from season two to season nine. Off-screen, their bond extended beyond the show. Dempsey revealed they had exchanged messages shortly before Dane’s death and that mutual friends had recently visited him.
Remembering Dane’s personality, Dempsey described him as one of the funniest and most joyful people he had worked with. He emphasized wanting to hold onto that image—of a colleague who brought humor and warmth to every set he stepped onto. Through his words, Dempsey painted a portrait not just of a talented actor, but of a cherished friend.
