Ellen Pompeo recalls call with Eric Dane after ALS diagnosis

Ellen Pompeo said she reached out to her former Grey's Anatomy castmate Eric Dane shortly after learning of his ALS diagnosis. "As soon as I heard about his diagnosis, I texted him, and I said, 'I'm here if you want to speak,'" she said, and her phone rang 30 seconds later.

Pompeo said she told Dane she would help with "whatever you need, however I can help. I love you." She added, "I'm really proud of you. I love you so much and I am honored to get to speak about you today." She also recalled his instant impact when he joined season 2 as Dr. Mark Sloan, saying she immediately fell in love with him.

The ALS Network said Dane canceled plans to receive the Advocate of the Year award because he was not well enough to attend. He has been open about his battle with ALS, revealed his diagnosis in April 2025, and has said he has no plans to stop acting and intends to take ALS-centric roles, adding, "I still have my brain, and I still have my speech" and that he is "willing to do just about anything."

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