Ellen Pompeo explained how she contacted her Grey’s Anatomy teammate, Eric Dane, after recently being diagnosed with ALS.
The TV star’s conversation with her former co-star was revealed via her pre-recorded message during the ALS Network Champions for Cures & Care Gala, which took place on January 24.
“As soon as I heard about his diagnosis, I texted him and said, ‘I’m here if you want to talk,'” she said in a video message released in her absence. “And my phone rang 30 seconds later.”
Ellen, 56, further shared that she told Eric to respond to her with “whatever you need, in any way I can help you. I love you.”
“I’m really proud of you. I love you so much and I’m honored to be able to talk about you today,” she continued.
She further reflects on her arrival at Grey’s Anatomyadding, “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 term ABC medical drama together after joining the series during its second season, with her character’s on-screen death leading to her exit during the eighth season.
