Patrick Dempsey Gives Update on Eric Dane’s ALS Battle

• Patrick Dempsey says he has stayed in touch with Eric Dane amid the actor’s ALS diagnosis.
• Dempsey attempted to book Dane for a guest role but said disease progression made it impossible.
• He praised Dane’s courage and advocacy while noting the illness has been “very hard for him.”
• Dane has continued to work and use his platform to raise awareness about ALS.

Patrick Dempsey: I’ve been texting Eric Dane

Patrick Dempsey told Parade he spoke with his former Grey’s Anatomy costar Eric Dane “a few weeks ago” and has been texting with him as Dane navigates an ALS diagnosis. Dempsey said he tried to get Dane to guest-star on his new series Memory of a Killer, but “the progression of his disease made it virtually impossible.” He added that he was glad to see Dane in Toronto working on another medical drama, Brilliant Minds.

Dane’s condition and Dempsey’s reaction

Dempsey described the situation as “very hard for him,” praising Dane’s bravery and character. “He’s been incredibly courageous in the face of this horrible disease,” Dempsey said. He also highlighted Dane’s sense of humor and intelligence, and noted how heartbreaking the illness is for Dane and his family — including ex Rebecca Gayheart and their daughters Billie and Georgia.

Eric Dane’s public journey with ALS

Dane announced his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis in April 2025. Since then he has been open about symptoms and the disease’s progression, describing initial weakness in his right hand and later loss of function on that side. He told Good Morning America that the diagnosis came after months of specialist visits and called the moment he heard the three letters “sobering.”

Continuing to work and advocate

Despite physical challenges, Dane has continued to act — appearing on Euphoria and the Amazon MGM series Countdown — and has used his platform to raise awareness about ALS. He said during a virtual I AM ALS panel that he no longer feels his life is solely about him and emphasized the importance of public education and research.

Watch: Congressman Eric Swalwell’s TikTok featuring Dane as they discuss research and advocacy: TikTok: Eric Swalwell / Eric Dane

Family, setbacks and advocacy goals

Dane has been candid about how ALS affects his family life. He has prioritized time with his daughters and leaned on Gayheart for support. He has also met with doctors and lawmakers to press for increased federal funding for ALS research, telling a congressman in a TikTok video, “I wanna ring every bell,” as he pushes for change so he can see his children grow up.

Where things stand

Dempsey’s update underscores how quickly ALS can change daily life and how peers in the industry have rallied around Dane. While the disease has limited some appearances — Dane missed a recent advocacy event and an awards appearance due to health issues and a hospital visit — his public advocacy continues to highlight the need for research and support.

As Dane and his family navigate the months ahead, friends like Dempsey say they will stay in touch and support him through the challenges.

Image Referance: https://www.eonline.com/news/1427883/eric-dane-als-battle-patrick-dempsey-gives-update