Ellen Pompeo revealed a private conversation she had with her former Grey’s Anatomy castmate Eric Dane, reaching out shortly after learning of Dane’s ALS diagnosis.
The actress, 56, opened up about the discussion she had with Dane for the ALS Network Champions for Cures & Care Gala, which took place Jan. 24.
“As soon as I heard about his diagnosis, I texted him, and I said, ‘I’m here if you want to speak,’” Pompeo related in a pre-taped message, as reported by People. “And my phone rang 30 seconds later.”
Reflecting on their conversation, Pompeo said she told her friend she’d help him with “whatever you need, however I can help. I love you.” “I’m really proud of you. I love you so much and I am honored to get to speak about you today,” she added. Pompeo also gave a lighthearted memory of Dane and how he made an instant impact on her when he joined season 2 as Dr. Mark Sloan.
“I remember when he came in as McSteamy and us having instant electric chemistry, and I immediately just fell in love with him,” she noted.
Dane was scheduled to receive the Advocate of the Year award, but canceled “due to the physical realities of ALS” and not being “well enough to attend,” the ALS Network confirmed to People.
The “Grey’s Anatomy” alum, 53 — who’s been open about his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — revealed his diagnosis in April 2025.
Back in September 2025, he was spotted in a wheelchair at an airport in Washington, DC, and shared an inspiring message for fans who were concerned about him.
“Keep the faith, man,” Dane replied in a stilted voice in footage obtained by the Daily Mail.
Despite his disease’s progression, the father of two has said he has no plans to stop acting.
During a panel discussion put on by I Am ALS and “Brilliant Minds” in December 2025, he shared that he’ll take on “ALS-centric” roles in the future because he is “fairly limited in what [he] can do physically.”
“I still have my brain, and I still have my speech,” he said; but noted that he was “willing to do just about anything.”
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