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Patrick Dempsey is rooting for Eric Dane during his battle with ALS.
In a new interview with Parade published Wednesday (January 28), Dempsey shared an update on his Grey's Anatomy costar amid his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis. Dempsey shared that he has "been texting" Dane and spoke to him "a few weeks ago," trying to get him to star in his new show Memory of a Killer but that his disease made it "impossible," per E! News.
"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," he said, referring to Dane's appearance in Brilliant Minds. "It's very hard for him, but I do try to stay in touch and see how he's doing."
The Sweet Home Alabama actor praised Dane's bravery while facing his diagnosis, which he publicly revealed in April 2025.
"He's been incredibly courageous in the face of this horrible disease," he said. "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."
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually leading to loss of muscle control, according to the ALS Association. Dempsey acknowledged how difficult the condition must be on Dane's family, including ex Rebecca Gayheart and their daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14.
"It's heartbreaking. It really is. For him and for his family," he said. "You feel for them when you see this terrible disease and how quickly it attacks the body. But he's bringing a lot of light to that, and he's using his platform in a positive way."
Dane was recently honored as Advocate of the Year at the ALS Network's Champions for Cures and Care Gala; however, he was forced to cancel his appearance at the event due to the "physical realities" of his disease.