What Ellen Pompeo Told Eric Dane After Learning of His ALS Diagnosis

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Ellen Pompeo is supporting Eric Dane amid his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The star of Grey’s Anatomy, who worked with Eric on the medical show for six seasons, recently shared how she learned about his diagnosis with a disease that affects the nervous system.

Ellen shared that she immediately texted a friend after learning about his diagnosis, simply offering to listen if he wanted to talk. She said his phone rang just thirty seconds later, according to People magazine.

Ellen offered support to Eric Dane, who played Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy, telling him she was there for him in any way he needed and expressing her affection.

Honestly, hearing those words – ‘I’m so proud of you,’ and ‘I love you’ – meant the world. It was incredibly touching to have her share that, and I felt so honored she wanted to speak about me. It’s those moments of genuine connection and support that really stay with you, you know? It just felt so special and affirming.

Ellen, 56, shared her thoughts on working with the Euphoria actor when he became part of the show in its second season.

She recalled first meeting him when he joined the show, describing an immediate and powerful connection. She said she fell in love with him right away.

I was so disappointed to learn that Eric couldn’t make it to the gala. He shared his ALS diagnosis back in April, and we were all really looking forward to celebrating him as Advocate of the Year. Unfortunately, his health just wouldn’t allow him to be there, and everyone missed him dearly.

As a long-time supporter of the ALS Network, I was so saddened to hear that Eric Dane wouldn’t be able to join us tonight to accept his Advocate of the Year Award. The organization shared that, unfortunately, the challenges of living with ALS are simply too great for him to be here physically. But we’re all incredibly grateful for his bravery, his tireless work raising awareness, and his ongoing dedication to our community. We’re honoring him tonight with all our respect and support, even though he can’t be with us in person.

Ellen isn’t the only Grey’s Anatomy star offering support to Eric during his health challenges. Patrick Dempsey, who played Eric’s close friend Derek Shepherd on the show, recently revealed they’ve been keeping in touch by text.

Patrick recently told Parade magazine that he’d asked Eric – father to Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, with his ex-wife Rebecca Gayheart – to appear as a guest star on his show, Memory of a Killer. Sadly, Eric’s illness had gotten too severe, making it difficult for him to do so. Patrick was glad he’d seen Eric in Toronto, where he was working on what Patrick believed was another medical series, Brilliant Minds.

Despite the difficulties Eric is facing with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, Patrick is deeply impressed by his friend’s courage.

The actor, known for Sweet Home Alabama, shared that Eric has been remarkably brave while battling this illness. He described Eric as a truly kind and funny person, and someone he’s always loved working with and being around.

For a closer look into Eric’s health journey, read on…

Eric Dane revealed he received a diagnosis of ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease, in April 2025.

Dane shared with People magazine that he has been diagnosed with ALS. He expressed gratitude for the support of his family as they face this new challenge together.

Despite his recent diagnosis, the Euphoria actor confirmed he wasn’t retiring from acting. He announced in April 2025 that he was still filming the last season of the HBO show.

Dane, who recently starred in the Amazon MGM Studios series Countdown, shared that acting has helped him stay mentally focused while dealing with health challenges.

Oh my gosh, you guys, he told TopMob News back in June 2025 that he genuinely feels amazing when he’s working! He admitted things haven’t always been perfect, there have been bumps in the road, but honestly? He’s doing SO well. He said his spirits are always high, and that’s really all that matters to him, which is just… everything. I knew he’d pull through! It’s just incredible to hear him say it himself.

Two months after revealing he had been diagnosed, the former Grey’s Anatomy star openly discussed his experience, including the signs that first led him to seek medical attention.

In June 2025, Dane shared with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America that he first noticed weakness in his right hand. He didn’t think much of it initially, assuming it was from overuse or tiredness. However, a few weeks later, he realized the weakness was getting worse.

After nine months of doctor’s visits – seeing two hand specialists and two neurologists – Dane received a diagnosis of ALS.

The father of two said he’ll never forget receiving those three letters. They weigh heavily on his mind from the moment he wakes up, and it feels all too real – not like a dream.

I’ve been following his journey closely, and it’s been heartbreaking to hear him describe how this rare disease is changing his body. He’s been very open about what he’s experiencing now, and also what he anticipates will happen as the disease progresses. It’s incredibly brave of him to share so much.

During his interview with Sawyer, Dane explained that the left side of his body is still working, but the right side has completely lost function. He added that he’s concerned he may lose use of his left hand within a couple of months, which he described as a difficult realization.

After more than 20 years of marriage, Rebecca Gayheart has been supporting her husband, Dane, as he deals with health issues. The couple had previously filed for divorce in 2018, but Rebecca requested the case be dismissed in March.

Dane told Sawyer he speaks with Rebecca daily. They’ve grown closer as friends and parents, and she’s his biggest supporter – someone he truly relies on.

According to Gayheart, she and Dane are the “best of friends.”

As a longtime fan, it was so wonderful to hear that Brian Austin Green and Megan Fox are doing so well! I read in TopMob News on April 9th, 2025, that they’ve really found their groove as co-parents. They’ve figured out how to keep their family strong, and honestly, it’s clear their kids – and they themselves – are thriving because of it. It’s just lovely to see!

Despite celebrating important moments with his daughters, Billie and Georgia, Dane has shared that he struggles with the impact his ALS has on his family.

The actor shared that he’s struggling with anger stemming from losing his father at a young age. He explained that he now faces the possibility of his daughters experiencing a similar loss, as he may be separated from them while they are still young. Ultimately, he just wants to be with his family and continue working when he can.

Dane was scheduled to present at the 2025 Emmys with his Grey’s Anatomy co-star, Jesse Williams, on September 14th, but he couldn’t make it. He later revealed that he had to miss the show due to a hospital stay a few weeks prior.

In an interview with The Washington Post on October 2nd, he revealed he was hospitalized getting stitches while others were at the Emmys, explaining, “ALS is a terrible disease.”

“I was a really upset about it,” Dane added. “But you know, there was nothing I could do about it.”

In September 2025, Dane met with doctors and people from the I Am ALS organization. He also spoke with California Congressman Eric Swalwell about getting more federal money for research into ALS, a neurological disease that currently has no cure.

In a TikTok video shared by Representative Swalwell on September 29th, Dane said, “I want to experience all of life’s milestones.” He explained he has two daughters and hopes to see them graduate college, get married, and potentially have children of their own.

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2026-02-03 23:51