Grey’s Anatomy star Ellen Pompeo reveals conversation with Eric Dane after actor announced ALS battle

by

Ellen Pompeo shared a heartfelt story about a conversation she had with her former Grey’s Anatomy co-star, Eric Dane, soon after he revealed his diagnosis of ALS.

The actress, 56, shared her thoughts on the matter at last week’s ALS Network Champions for Cures & Care Gala, according to People. She and Dane co-starred for six seasons on the popular medical drama.

Dane publicly announced his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) last year in April. 

In a previously recorded message played at the event, Pompeo revealed she first developed feelings for the actor when he started on Grey’s Anatomy in season two as Dr. Mark Sloan.

Pompeo recalled feeling an immediate connection with him when he first arrived, describing it as ‘electric chemistry’ and saying she fell in love with him right away.

As soon as she found out Dane, 53, had been diagnosed with ALS, she contacted him – and he called her back within a minute.

I texted him as soon as I learned about his diagnosis, letting him know I was available to talk. He called me back within thirty seconds.

Pompeo also let Dane know she was there to support him in any way possible, telling him ‘I love you’ and offering her help with ‘whatever he needs’.

In the pre-taped video shared at the gala, the actress also sent Dane a personal message. 

‘I’m really proud of you. I love you so much and I am honored to get to speak about you today.’ 

Ellen Pompeo has played Dr. Meredith Grey on Grey’s Anatomy since the show began in 2005, but she’s appeared less frequently in recent seasons.

Dane joined the show in 2006, playing Dr. Sloan. His character was killed off in a plane crash during the ninth season, marking his departure.

Dane won the Advocate of the Year Award, but unfortunately couldn’t be at the ceremony because of the severe effects of his illness.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that impacts the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a loss of muscle control, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The ALS Network released a statement to The Hollywood Reporter acknowledging Dane’s absence and praising his bravery and commitment to raising awareness about ALS.

We were so looking forward to Eric Dane joining us tonight to receive his Advocate of the Year Award, but unfortunately, his health is preventing him from attending due to the challenges of living with ALS.

We are incredibly thankful for his bravery, his tireless support of those affected by ALS, and his ongoing dedication to the community. Tonight, we recognize him with our deepest respect and full support.

The announcement ended by saying that Aaron Lazar, a Broadway performer and Grammy nominee, would accept the award for him.

In a separate online post, it was noted that Eric’s work as an advocate has raised global awareness of ALS and supported the vital work of @youralsnetwork in providing care, resources, and hope to families affected by the disease.

‘Thank you, Eric, for your leadership and compassion!’

Dane shared that receiving the award felt like more than just an honor, explaining that it represented the inspiring strength and courage he witnesses in people living with ALS daily.

Oh my gosh, even Kate Walsh, who played Addison on Grey’s – seriously, a goddess! – said she contacted Patrick when he was going through everything with ALS. It just shows how much everyone cares about him, you know? I’m so touched she reached out. It’s heartbreaking, but seeing the support is amazing.

I recently spoke with an actress who was clearly going through a tough time. She shared with me, and it really struck a chord, that she was feeling a lot of pain and sadness. It was late January when we spoke, and her vulnerability was really moving.

I haven’t spoken to him recently, but I’ve sent a message letting him know I’m thinking of him and offering my support. It’s really upsetting.

She also described the Euphoria actor as both a wonderful person and a truly amazing man.

I’ve seen this disease affect other friends, and it’s truly awful. I feel deeply for him and I’m praying for him, his family, and his daughters.

Patrick Dempsey, known for his role on Grey’s Anatomy and previous work with Dane, recently shared an update about his former colleague in an interview with Parade magazine.

You know, it’s been tough on him, and I really make an effort to check in and see how he’s doing. I’m actually hoping to include him in my new thriller, ‘Memory of a Killer’ – I think he’d be fantastic for it!

Dempsey sadly explained that his illness had gotten so bad, it just wasn’t possible to continue.

Late last year, Dane appeared in an episode of Brilliant Minds, playing a firefighter living with ALS.

The actor from ‘Enchanted’ also shared that he’s been deeply impressed by the person’s bravery while battling this difficult illness, describing them as a truly kind and wonderful person.

Eric is both funny and smart, and I’ve always liked working with and spending time with him.

Dane shares daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, with estranged wife Rebecca Gayheart. 

They got married in 2004, and she initially filed for divorce in February 2018. However, just one month before he publicly revealed his diagnosis with ALS last year, she dropped the divorce proceedings.

In December of last year, the actor announced plans to publish a memoir detailing their experiences with ALS.

Maria Shriver’s memoir, Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, will be published by The Open Field, an imprint of Penguin Random House, sometime in 2026. The exact release date hasn’t been announced yet.

Read More

2026-02-04 03:49