Patrick Dempsey, Kate Walsh and more 'Grey’s Anatomy' cast members have proven to have Eric Dane’s back as he continues his battle with ALS
After appearing in more than 140 episodes of the ABC drama as Dr. Mark Sloan, Dane said goodbye to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in 2012. But ever since the actor announced his ALC diagnosis in April 2025, many of Dane’s Grey’s Anatomy costars have shared support and encouragement to the actor.
“I spoke to him a few weeks ago. I’ve been texting with him,” Patrick Demsey told Parade in January 2026. “We were trying to get him in but unfortunately, the progression of his disease made it virtually impossible. But I was happy to see that he was here in Toronto working on, I think, another medical drama .” Although Dane has tried to limit his number of appearances because of his health, the actor wants to share his story in hopes that it raises awareness about the progressive neurodegenerative disease. “Obviously, I have a family at home and they’re the first priority,” Dane shared in December 2025 during a virtual I AM ALS event. “But this is such a big deal to me to make sure that people are aware of what ALS is and what it’s about and, more importantly, what we can do to combat it and improve the landscape.”Kate Walsh Although Kate Walsh hasn’t been in touch with Eric Dane, she has “reached out and sent my love and support and strength.” “It’s so heartbreaking. He’s such a beautiful person and such an incredible man, and I’ve had other friends that have battled with this disease, and it’s just horrific,” she told Variety in January 2026. “So my heart goes out to him. I keep him, his family, his girls, in my prayers.“That’s why it’s so heartbreaking to me,” she added. “So emotional.”Original Grey’s Anatomy star James Pickens Jr. has nothing but fond memories working with Eric Dane. “Eric and I shared some really fun times together on the show,” Pickens shared with the Associated Press in May 2025. “He’s a heck of a gentleman and a great father. Our prayers go out to him and we embrace him as much as we can.”“It’s very hard for him, but I do try to stay in touch and see how he’s doing,” Dempsey shared with Parade in January 2025. “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.”“You feel for them when you see this terrible disease and how quickly it attacks the body,” he explained. “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.”OG Grey’s Anatomy actress Chandra Wilson still laughs when recalling an unforgettable scene in season 3 when Eric Dane earned the nickname of Dr. McSteamy after stepping out of a shower. “Agreeing to stand there in the towel and the steam,” Wilson recalled to Access Hollywood in October 2025. “Everybody doesn’t agree to do it and he was down for it.” Memorable scenes aside, Wilson pointed out that the cast stands with Dane during his health struggle. “The main thing that people talk about around here is that sense of family,” she shared. “We’re going to be that no matter what.”During season 6 of Grey’s Anatomy, Kim Raver and Eric Dane’s characters found themselves in a love story. The scenes are ones Raver can’t forget. “Our heart goes out to them and we’re thinking about him,” she told Access Hollywood in October 2025. “He’s such a talent. He’s able to juggle incredible dramatic moments and then those McSteamy moments.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Patrick Dempsey Discusses Eric Dane's ALS Battle and Missed ReunionPatrick Dempsey shares insights on his former Grey's Anatomy co-star Eric Dane's battle with ALS, discussing the challenges it posed for their planned reunion and praising Dane's courage. Dempsey also comments on Dane's ongoing fight and his efforts to remain positive despite the devastating diagnosis.
Read more »
Patrick Dempsey Wanted Eric Dane on His New Show Amid ALS BattlePatrick Dempsey said he tried to recruit former 'Grey's Anatomy' costar Eric Dane to appear in his new show amid Dane's ALS battle
Read more »
‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Actor Shares Emotional Update on Co-Star’s Diagnosis“It’s very hard for him,” the actor said about his friend.
Read more »
Patrick Dempsey says 'Grey’s' co-star Eric Dane’s ALS is preventing onscreen reunionDempsey wanted to bring his former co-star onto his new series, 'Memory of a Killer,' but Dane's ALS has made it 'virtually impossible.'
Read more »
Grey’s Anatomy Star Gives Update on Eric Dane After ALS DiagnosisPatrick Dempsey speaks out about Eric Dane’s ALS diagnosis, praising his courage as the former Grey’s Anatomy star battles the disease.
Read more »
Grey's Anatomy Shuts Down Production On Season 22 Amid National ProtestsMeredith in Grey's Anatomy
Read more »