Patrick Dempsey is opening up about the final days of his friend and former Grey’s Anatomy co-star Eric Dane, who passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 53 after a courageous battle with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). The actor, famous for playing Dr. Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd, shared heartbreaking details about their last conversation and the rapid decline Dane experienced before his death.
In an emotional interview on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin Radio UK on February 20, Dempsey revealed that he had been in touch with Dane just one week before he passed away. The news of his friend’s death hit him hard when he woke up to the headlines Friday morning.
“I just woke up this morning, and I was very sad to read the news,” Dempsey shared on the show. “It’s hard to put into words. I feel really so sad for his children.”
Dempsey explained that he and Dane had been texting regularly, keeping their bond strong even years after their time together on the hit medical drama. He also shared what mutual friends observed when they visited Dane in his final days.
“I was corresponding with him, we were texting, so I spoke to him about a week ago, and some friends of ours went in to see him, and he was really starting to lose his ability to speak,” Dempsey said. “He was bedridden, and it was very hard for him to swallow. The quality of his life was deteriorating so rapidly.”
The ‘McSteamy’ and ‘McDreamy’ Bond That Lasted Decades
Dempsey took time to remember the joy Dane brought to the set of Grey’s Anatomy, where he joined the cast in 2005 as Dr. Mark Sloan, famously nicknamed “McSteamy.” The two actors played best friends on screen, and that friendship translated into real life.
“He was the funniest man. He was such a joy to work with, and I want to just remember him in that spirit,” Dempsey said. “Anytime he was on set, he brought so much fun to it. He had a great sense of humor. He was easy to work with. We got along instantly.”
Dempsey even joked about Dane’s unforgettable first scene on the show, which introduced the character stepping out of a bathroom wearing only a towel.
“First scene was him, you know, in all his glory, coming out of the bathroom with the towel on, looking amazing, making you feel completely out of shape and insignificant,” Dempsey recalled with a mix of laughter and fondness.
Despite both playing handsome, confident surgeons, Dempsey said there was never any competition between them.
“We hit it off because there was never really any competition. It was just this wonderful mutual respect,” Dempsey explained. “He’s wickedly intelligent. I’m always going to remember those moments of fun that we had together and celebrate the joy that he did bring to people’s lives.”
A Tragic Anniversary: Eric Dane Passed Away 20 Years After His ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Debut
In a bittersweet twist of fate, Eric Dane died on the exact 20th anniversary of his first appearance on Grey’s Anatomy. He made his debut as Dr. Mark Sloan in Season 2 back in 2006, and his character quickly became a fan favorite. Dane remained with the show for seven seasons, leaving in 2012 after his character died in a tragic plane crash.
His family confirmed his passing with a touching statement to multiple media outlets.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” the family statement read.
“Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received.”
Dane went public with his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. Despite the progressive nature of the disease, he continued working and used his platform to raise awareness. He recently appeared in Season 3 of Euphoria and took on a role in the series Brilliant Minds, where he played a firefighter dealing with an ALS diagnosis.
Eric Dane’s Final Message to His Daughters: ‘Fight Until Your Last Breath’
Following his death, a final interview with Eric Dane was released, showing the actor leaving an emotional message for his two daughters. In the recording, Dane shared life lessons he hoped they would carry with them.
“Billie and Georgia, you are my heart. You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words,” Dane said in the clip.
He also spoke about the importance of living in the present and finding passion in life.
“The past contains regret, the future remains unknown, so you have to live now. The present is all you have. Treasure it. Cherish every moment,” he said.
He encouraged his daughters to find something they love.
“Fall in love. Not necessarily with a person although I do recommend it, but fall in love with something. Find your passion, your joy. Find something that makes you want to get up in the morning and drives you through the entire day. I fell in love for the first time when I was about your age, I fell in love with acting. Eventually, it got me through my darkest hours, my darkest days, my darkest year.”
His final advice to them was simple but powerful. “Fight until your last breath.”
Hollywood Pays Tribute: From Patrick Dempsey to Shonda Rhimes
The entertainment world has flooded social media with tributes to Eric Dane, remembering him not only for his talent but also for his kindness and humor.
Grey’s Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes released a heartfelt statement.
“Eric Dane was a beloved member of the Shondaland and Grey’s Anatomy families. He was truly a gifted actor whose portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan left an indelible mark on the series and on audiences around the world. We are grateful for the artistry, spirit, friendship and humanity he shared with us for so many years. Our hearts are with his family, loved ones, and all who were touched by his work.”
His Euphoria co-star Jacob Elordi, who played his son Nate Jacobs, shared a private moment with media expressing his sorrow. Other co-stars from the HBO series also paid respects, though many asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Alyssa Milano, who worked with Dane on Charmed, posted a touching tribute on Instagram.
“I can’t stop seeing that spark in Eric’s eye right before he’d say something that would either make you spit out your drink or rethink your entire perspective. He had a razor-sharp sense of humor. He loved the absurdity of things. He loved catching people off guard. And when it came to his daughters and Rebecca, everything in him softened.”
Kevin McKidd, who plays Dr. Owen Hunt on Grey’s Anatomy, shared a simple but emotional post on his Instagram Story with a photo of Dane, writing, “Rest in Peace, Buddy.”
Ashton Kutcher, a close friend, posted on X.
“The Franklin strip fanatics fantasy football league will miss Mr. Eric Dane. We know you’ll be watching from the booth. Miss you, buddy. Let’s keep fighting the fight to solve ALS.”
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Johnny Depp’s Quiet Kindness During Eric Dane’s Final Days
Amid the outpouring of grief, a heartening story emerged about Johnny Depp quietly helping Eric Dane during his illness. Reports from multiple outlets confirmed that Depp allowed Dane and his family to stay at his Hollywood Hills property under a “pay-what-you-can” arrangement.
Depp reportedly wanted to ease the financial burden on the family so Dane could focus entirely on his health and spending time with his daughters, Billie and Georgia. The gesture showed the deep respect and friendship Depp had for the actor during his most challenging months.
Dane is survived by his two daughters and his estranged wife Rebecca Gayheart, with whom he had reconciled in many ways during his illness. The couple had been married in 2004, and though Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, she dismissed the petition in March 2025, just a month before Dane went public with his ALS diagnosis. She remained by his side throughout his battle.
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