How Gray’s Anatomy Forged Is Supporting Eric Dane Throughout His ALS Battle

The Gray’s Anatomy solid had Eric Dane’s again throughout his ALS battle earlier than his dying in February 2026.

After showing in additional than 140 episodes of the ABC drama as Dr. Mark Sloan, Dane stated goodbye to Gray Sloan Memorial Hospital in 2012.

However ever for the reason that actor introduced his ALS prognosis in April 2025, lots of Dane’s Gray’s Anatomy costars together with Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey have shared help and encouragement to the actor.

“I spoke to him a number of weeks in the past. I’ve been texting with him,” Dempsey informed Parade in January 2026. “We have been making an attempt to get him in (Reminiscence of a Killer) however sadly, the development of his illness made it just about not possible. However I used to be glad to see that he was right here in Toronto engaged on, I believe, one other medical drama (Good Minds).”

Though Dane had tried to restrict his variety of appearances due to his well being, the actor needed to share his story in hopes that it raises consciousness concerning the progressive neurodegenerative illness.

“Clearly, I’ve a household at dwelling they usually’re the first precedence,” Dane shared in December 2025 throughout a digital I AM ALS occasion. “However that is such an enormous deal to me to guarantee that individuals are conscious of what ALS is and what it’s about and, extra importantly, what we are able to do to fight it and enhance the panorama.”

Dane died two months later at age 53.

Preserve studying to see how Dane’s Gray’s Anatomy household supported the actor after his prognosis:

Ellen Pompeo

Ellen Pompeo mirrored on working with Eric Dane throughout season 2 of Gray’s Anatomy in a pretaped message shared on the ALS Community Champions for Cures & Care Gala attendees in January 2026. (Dane was anticipated to attend the occasion however dropped out on the final minute.)

“I bear in mind when he got here in as McSteamy and us having instantaneous electrical chemistry, and I instantly simply fell in love with him,” Pompeo stated.

The actress then recalled studying about Dane’s ALS battle. “As quickly as I heard about his prognosis, I texted him, and I stated, ‘I’m right here if you wish to converse,’” Pompeo stated. “And my cellphone rang 30 seconds later.”

She remembered telling Dane on that cellphone name that she could be there to assist him with “no matter you want, nevertheless I may help. I really like you.”

“I’m actually pleased with you,” Pompeo continued in her video. “I really like you a lot and I’m honored to get to discuss you at the moment.”

Kate Walsh

Though Kate Walsh hasn’t been in contact with Eric Dane, she has “reached out and despatched my love and help and energy.”

“It’s so heartbreaking. He’s such a phenomenal individual and such an unimaginable man, and I’ve had different associates which have battled with this illness, and it’s simply horrific,” she informed Selection in January 2026. “So my coronary heart goes out to him. I maintain him, his household, his ladies, in my prayers.

Walsh acknowledged that her Gray’s character, Addison, will without end be intertwined with Mark.

“That’s why it’s so heartbreaking to me,” she added. “So emotional.”

Patrick Dempsey

Patrick Dempsey provided a glimpse into Eric Dane’s mindset as he navigates ALS.

“It’s very laborious for him, however I do attempt to keep in contact and see how he’s doing,” Dempsey shared with Parade in January 2026. “I believe he’s been extremely brave within the face of this horrible illness. He’s such an exquisite human being. He has such a fantastic humorousness, and he’s so clever. I’ve all the time loved working and being round Eric.”

Dempsey added that the state of affairs is “heartbreaking” and it’s not possible to not empathize.

“You’re feeling for them once you see this horrible illness and the way shortly it assaults the physique,” he defined. “However he’s bringing plenty of gentle to that, and he’s utilizing his platform in a constructive method. I want him the perfect.”

Chandra Wilson

AND Gray’s Anatomy actress Chandra Wilson nonetheless laughs when recalling an unforgettable scene in season 3 when Eric Dane earned the nickname of Dr. McSteamy after stepping out of a bathe.

“Agreeing to face there within the towel and the steam,” Wilson recalled to Entry Hollywood in October 2025. “Everyone doesn’t conform to do it and he was down for it.”

Memorable scenes apart, Wilson identified that the solid stands with Dane throughout his well being battle.

“The principle factor that folks speak about round right here is that sense of household,” she shared. “We’re going to be that it doesn’t matter what.”

Kim Raver

Throughout season 6 of Gray’s Anatomy, Kim Raver and Eric Dane’s characters discovered themselves in a love story. The scenes are ones Raver can’t neglect.

“Our coronary heart goes out to them and we’re interested by him,” she informed Entry Hollywood in October 2025. “He’s such a expertise. He’s in a position to juggle unimaginable dramatic moments after which these McSteamy moments.”

James Pickens Jr.

Unique Gray’s Anatomy star James Pickens Jr. has nothing however fond recollections working with Eric Dane.

“Eric and I shared some actually enjoyable instances collectively on the present,” Pickens shared with the Related Press in Could 2025. “He’s a heck of a gentleman and a fantastic father. Our prayers exit to him and we embrace him as a lot as we are able to.”