Dr. Shepherd has been in constant communication with Dr. Sloan, and for good reason – Grey’s Anatomy’s Patrick Dempsey has been “texting” with his former co-star, Eric Dane, amidst the latter’s ongoing battle with ALS, which he courageously revealed in April. Recently, Patrick provided an update on his friend’s condition.
“I spoke to him a few weeks ago,” Patrick told Parade in an interview published on Jan. 28. He explained that he had tried to get Eric to guest-star on his new TV show, Memory of a Killer, but unfortunately, the progression of his disease made it virtually impossible. However, he was happy to see that Eric was in Toronto working on another medical drama, Brilliant Minds.
The 60-year-old added, “It’s very hard for him, but I do try to stay in touch and see how he’s doing.” Despite Eric’s physical limitations caused by ALS, which prompted him to miss a Jan. 24 event honoring his advocacy, Patrick emphasized the Euphoria actor’s bravery in the face of this neurodegenerative condition, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
“He’s been incredibly courageous in the face of this horrible disease,” the Sweet Home Alabama actor continued. “He’s such a wonderful human being. He has such a great sense of humor and is so intelligent. I’ve always enjoyed working and being around Eric.”
Noting Eric’s relationships with his ex-wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, Patrick added, “It’s heartbreaking. It really is. For him and for his family. You feel for them when you see this terrible disease and how quickly it attacks the body. But he’s bringing a lot of light to that and using his platform in a positive way.”
Indeed, since Eric revealed his ALS diagnosis in April, he has emphasized why it’s “imperative” that he shares his journey with others. Last month, he shared, “I don’t feel like my life is about me anymore.”
“I would love my life to be all about me, but I just can’t,” the 53-year-old said during a virtual panel hosted by the nonprofit I AM ALS. “I don’t think I would be able to move forward if that were the case. It’s been a propulsive sort of component to my existence.”
Eric concluded, “I want to make sure that people are aware of what ALS is and what it’s about, and more importantly, what we can do to combat it and improve the landscape.”
