Ellen Pompeo Reveals Chat With Grey’s Anatomy Co-star Eric Dane on His ASL Diagnosis: ‘Phone Rang 30 Seconds Later’

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Ellen Pompeo and Eric Dane have been close friends ever since they worked together on the TV show Grey’s Anatomy, playing Meredith Grey and Mark Sloan. Even after Eric Dane’s character was written off the show in 2012, while Ellen Pompeo continued as a main cast member for many years, they stayed in touch. In a pre-recorded message shared by PEOPLE at the ALS Network Champions for Cures & Care Gala, Pompeo shared that she contacted him as soon as she learned about his diagnosis in April 2025.

Eric Dane’s ALS diagnosis had Ellen Pompeo immediately offer help

Ellen Pompeo recently shared a conversation she had with Eric Dane after he told her he was diagnosed with ALS in early 2025. She remembered immediately texting him to offer support, and he called her back within thirty seconds.

The 56-year-old woman told her close friend she’d support him in any way she could, telling him, “Whatever you need, I’m here for you. I love you.” She also sent a heartfelt message to her colleague, a fellow actor on their TV show, saying, “I’m so proud of you. I love you very much, and I’m honored to be able to talk about you today.”

Oh my gosh, even though Mike Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey couldn’t be there in person – poor Patrick had to cancel last minute because he wasn’t feeling well – we still got to see them! They sent a video message, and it was everything. Seriously, Kate was talking about the first time she met him on the ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ set, and she said when he walked in as McSteamy, they just had this instant connection. She literally said she fell in love with him right away! It’s so sweet. He played Derek Shepherd, that amazing plastic surgeon, for ten years, from 2002 to 2012, and even did a little cameo in 2021. I’m still obsessed, obviously!

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2026-02-04 08:37