Patrick Dempsey pays tribute to Eric Dane, sharing emotional final weeks

Patrick Dempsey has shared heartfelt reflections on the legacy of his late Grey’s Anatomy co-star, Eric Dane, saying the actor would have been “so happy to know” how much he meant to fans and friends alike.

Dane, who passed away last week, had publicly revealed 10 months ago that he was battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 

Patrick, 60, described the overwhelming outpouring of support for Dane’s family following his death as a testament to the actor’s impact.

“It’s very hard when you lose a family member,” Dempsey told News Talk FM. 

“I lost my father very young, and my mother has passed. And now several friends in the last year I’ve lost. Eric was so beloved, and I think he would really be so happy to know, and I know a lot of people reached out to him before his passing, that he was so beloved and is deeply missed.”

Patrick also spoke candidly about Dane’s final weeks, sharing that his friend had begun “losing his ability to speak” as his condition worsened. 

Speaking to Chris Evans on Virgin Radio, he added, “He was bedridden and it was very hard for him to swallow, so the quality of his life was deteriorating so rapidly.”

Remembering Dane on set, Dempsey highlighted his co-star’s humor and warmth. “He was the funniest man — he was such a joy to work with. 

He had a great sense of humour. He was easy to work with, we got along instantly. 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 emphasized that there was “never really any competition” between them, recalling their immediate connection and mutual respect. 

“He’s wickedly intelligent and 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,” he said. “The real loss is for us who don’t have them anymore.”