Kate Walsh opens up on Eric Dane’s heartbreaking ALS battle

Kate Walsh has expressed deep concern for her former Grey’s Anatomy co-star Eric Dane, calling his ongoing battle with ALS “so painful.”

The 58-year-old actress, who played Dr. Addison Montgomery opposite Dane’s Mark Sloan, spoke to Variety about the devastating impact of the neurodegenerative disease, which affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy.

“It’s so painful. It’s really sad. I haven’t been in touch with him, but I’ve reached out and sent my love and support and strength,” Walsh said. “It’s so heartbreaking. He’s such a beautiful person and such an incredible man… my heart goes out to him. I keep him, his family, his girls, in my prayers.”

Walsh added that their characters will always remain intertwined in the hearts of fans, making the situation all the more emotional.

Eric Dane, 53, who has daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, with ex Rebecca Gayheart, was diagnosed with ALS in April 2025. Despite his challenges, he has remained “positive” and continues to use his platform to raise awareness.

Patrick Dempsey, another Grey’s Anatomy alum and close friend, recently shared an update on Dane’s condition, describing it as “heartbreaking.” He revealed that the progression of Dane’s disease prevented him from filming the TV show Memory of a Killer, but praised his resilience on set of another project, Brilliant Minds.

“It’s heartbreaking. It really is. For him and for his family,” Dempsey told Parade. “But he’s bringing a lot of light to that, and he’s using his platform in a positive way.”