Eric Dane Honored by Grey's Anatomy Co-Star Patrick Dempsey After Death

Variety

by Jordan Moreau

February 20, 2026

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Patrick Dempsey paid a heartfelt tribute to his "Grey’s Anatomy" co-star Eric Dane following his death at the age of 53. The two actors, who played iconic characters Dr. Derek Shepherd (McDreamy) and Dr. Mark Sloan (McSteamy), shared a strong professional relationship that turned into a deep friendship. Dempsey described Dane as "the funniest man" and "such a joy to work with," reflecting on their time together on the show, which aired for several seasons and made them beloved heartthrobs among fans. Dempsey revealed that he had been in touch with Dane just a week before his passing, sharing emotional details about Dane's final days. He mentioned that Dane was bedridden, struggling to speak and swallow, with his health deteriorating rapidly. This poignant reflection underscores the gravity of Dane’s situation as he battled amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which he had announced in 2023. Despite his declining health, Dane remained determined to continue working, even completing filming for *Euphoria* Season 3, set to release on HBO in April. Dane’s resilience and dedication to his craft were evident throughout his career. His role as Dr. Mark Sloan in *Grey’s Anatomy* left an indelible mark on the show and its audience, earning him widespread acclaim. Beyond his professional achievements, Dempsey highlighted Dane’s humor and camaraderie, recalling their first scene together as a testament to his magnetic presence. These memories serve as a touching reminder of the impact he had on both his co-workers and fans. In a statement, *Grey’s Anatomy* creator Shonda Rhimes also honored Dane, calling him a "beloved member" of the show’s family and praising his artistic talent and

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Originally published on Variety on 2/20/2026