Patrick Dempsey Shares Update on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Costar Eric Dane’s ALS Battle
Ellen Pompeo is supporting Eric Dane amid his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Indeed, the Grey’s Anatomy star—who costarred with Eric on the medical series for six seasons—opened up about finding out her longtime friend was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease.
“As soon as I heard about his diagnosis, I texted him, and I said, ‘I’m here if you want to speak,'” Ellen said in a pre-taped message at the ALS Network Champions for Cures & Care Gala Jan. 24, per People. “And my phone rang 30 seconds later.”
At the time, Ellen offered to help Eric, 53—who played her character Meredith Grey’s colleague Mark “McSteamy” Sloan—with “whatever you need, however I can help. I love you.”
“I’m really proud of you,” she added. “I love you so much and I am honored to get to speak about you today.”
Ellen, 56, also reflected on working with the Euphoria actor for the first time when he joined the show during season two.
“I remember when he came in as McSteamy and us having instant electric chemistry,” she explained, “and I immediately just fell in love with him.”