Ellen Pompeo has opened up about how she approached her Grey’s Anatomy her co-star, Eric Dane, after he was recently diagnosed with ALS.
The TV star’s conversation with her former co-star was revealed through her pre-recorded message at the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures & Care Gala, which took place on January 24.
“As soon as I found out about his diagnosis, I texted him and said, ‘I’m here if you want to talk,’” he said in a video message played in his absence. “And my phone rang 30 seconds later.”
Ellen, 56, further shared that she told Eric to contact her with “whatever you need, anything I can help with. I love you.”
“I’m so proud of you. I love you so much and I’m honored to be able to talk about you today,” she continued.
He also reflected on his arrival to Grey’s AnatomyShe added: “I remember when he came in as McSteamy and we had instant electric chemistry, and I immediately fell in love with him.”
Eric Dane, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in April 2025, was also unable to attend the Cures & Care Gala “due to the physical realities of ALS,” as his appearance was canceled before the event because he was not “well enough to attend.”
He and Ellen Pompeo appeared on the long-running show. alphabet medical drama together after she joined the show during its second season, and the death of her on-screen character resulted in her exit during the eighth season.
