The Grey’s Anatomy cast had Eric Dane’s back during his ALS battle before his death in February 2026.
After appearing in more than 140 episodes of the ABC drama as Dr. Mark Sloan, Dane said goodbye to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in 2012.
But ever since the actor announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, many of Dane’s Grey’s Anatomy costars including Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey have shared support and encouragement to the actor.
“I spoke to him a few weeks ago. I’ve been texting with him,” Dempsey told Parade in January 2026. “We were trying to get him in [Memory of a Killer] but 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 [Brilliant Minds].”
Every Time Eric Dane Had Been Candid About ALS and Other Health Struggles
Although Dane had tried to limit his number of appearances because of his health, the actor wanted to share his story in hopes that it raises awareness about the progressive neurodegenerative disease.
“Obviously, I have a family at home and they’re the first priority,” Dane shared in December 2025 during a virtual I AM ALS event. “But this is such a big deal to me to make sure that people are aware of what ALS is and what it’s about and, more importantly, what we can do to combat it and improve the landscape.”
Dane died two months later at age 53.
Keep reading to see how Dane’s Grey’s Anatomy family supported the actor after his diagnosis:
Ellen Pompeo
Ellen Pompeo reflected on working with Eric Dane during season 2 of Grey’s Anatomy in a pretaped message shared at the ALS Network Champions for Cures & Care Gala attendees in January 2026. (Dane was expected to attend the event but dropped out at the last minute.)
“I remember when he came in as McSteamy and us having instant electric chemistry, and I immediately just fell in love with him,” Pompeo said.
The actress then recalled learning about Dane’s ALS battle. “As soon as I heard about his diagnosis, I texted him, and I said, ‘I’m here if you want to speak,’” Pompeo said. “And my phone rang 30 seconds later.”
She remembered telling Dane on that phone call that she would be there to help him with “whatever you need, however I can help. I love you.”
“I’m really proud of you,” Pompeo continued in her video. “I love you so much and I am honored to get to speak about you today.”
Kate Walsh
Although Kate Walsh hasn’t been in touch with Eric Dane, she has “reached out and sent my love and support and strength.”
“It’s so heartbreaking. He’s such a beautiful person and such an incredible man, and I’ve had other friends that have battled with this disease, and it’s just horrific,” she told Variety in January 2026. “So my heart goes out to him. I keep him, his family, his girls, in my prayers.
Walsh acknowledged that her Grey’s character, Addison, will forever be intertwined with Mark.
“That’s why it’s so heartbreaking to me,” she added. “So emotional.”
Patrick Dempsey
Patrick Dempsey offered a glimpse into Eric Dane’s mindset as he navigates ALS.
“It’s very hard for him, but I do try to stay in touch and see how he’s doing,” Dempsey shared with Parade in January 2026. “I think he’s been incredibly courageous in the face of this horrible disease. 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.”
Dempsey added that the situation is “heartbreaking” and it’s impossible not to empathize.
“You feel for them when you see this terrible disease and how quickly it attacks the body,” he explained. “But he’s bringing a lot of light to that, and he’s using his platform in a positive way. I wish him the best.”
Chandra Wilson
OG Grey’s Anatomy actress Chandra Wilson still laughs when recalling an unforgettable scene in season 3 when Eric Dane earned the nickname of Dr. McSteamy after stepping out of a shower.
“Agreeing to stand there in the towel and the steam,” Wilson recalled to Access Hollywood in October 2025. “Everybody doesn’t agree to do it and he was down for it.”
Memorable scenes aside, Wilson pointed out that the cast stands with Dane during his health struggle.
“The main thing that people talk about around here is that sense of family,” she shared. “We’re going to be that no matter what.”
Photos of Eric Dane Through the Years: From ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to ALS Battle
Kim Raver
During season 6 of Grey’s Anatomy, Kim Raver and Eric Dane’s characters found themselves in a love story. The scenes are ones Raver can’t forget.
“Our heart goes out to them and we’re thinking about him,” she told Access Hollywood in October 2025. “He’s such a talent. He’s able to juggle incredible dramatic moments and then those McSteamy moments.”
James Pickens Jr.
Original Grey’s Anatomy star James Pickens Jr. has nothing but fond memories working with Eric Dane.
“Eric and I shared some really fun times together on the show,” Pickens shared with the Associated Press in May 2025. “He’s a heck of a gentleman and a great father. Our prayers go out to him and we embrace him as much as we can.”
