Patrick Dempsey reveals Eric Dane was 'starting to lose his ability to speak' before passing

Dane had been diagnosed with ALS, a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord

Patrick Dempsey has revealed that his former Grey’s Anatomy co-star Eric Dane was “starting to lose his ability to speak” in the period leading up to his death, offering a heartbreaking glimpse into the final stage of the actor’s battle with ALS.

Dempsey, who starred alongside Dane on Grey's Anatomy, said his longtime friend faced the devastating effects of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with courage even as the disease began to take away one of his most essential abilities.

“He was starting to lose his ability to speak,” Dempsey shared, reflecting on how quickly the neurodegenerative disease progressed in Dane’s final months. Despite that decline, he emphasized that Dane maintained his humor and spirit for as long as he could.

The two actors became close while playing Dr. Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd and Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan on the long-running medical drama, and their off-screen friendship continued well beyond their time on the series. Dempsey has previously spoken about staying in contact with Dane throughout his illness and being inspired by his resilience.

Dane publicly revealed in 2025 that he had been diagnosed with ALS, a progressive disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually impairing movement and speech. Even as his condition worsened, he continued to raise awareness about the illness and advocate for research and support for patients.

Dempsey remembered Dane as someone who remained positive and determined, noting that even as speaking became more difficult, his presence and personality still shone through.

Eric Dane died on February 19, 2026, at the age of 53. Tributes from across Hollywood have continued to pour in, celebrating his talent, humor and kindness, and now, through Dempsey’s words, offering a more intimate look at the final chapter of his life and the strength he showed in the face of a devastating disease.