Ellen Pompeo reveals private chat she had with Grey's Anatomy co-star Eric Dane after ALS diagnosis
They stole hearts as Meredith Grey and Mark 'McSteamy' Sloan on Grey's Anatomy, but their friendship carried on off-screen too.
Ellen Pompeo has gone on to reveal how co-star Eric Dane called her '30 seconds' after she texted him following the announcement of his ALS diagnosis.
More than two decades has passed since the duo first appeared onscreen together, with Eric joining the Grey's Anatomy cast for season two back in 2006.
Ellen has been paying tribute to her colleague and praising him in a recorded message, which was played out at the ALS Network Champions for Cures & Care Gala on January 24.
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He revealed he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2025, which in the UK is often referred to as motor neurone disorder (MND).
The actor said he was 'grateful to have my loving family by my side as we navigate this next chapter.
"I remember when he came in as McSteamy and us having instant electric chemistry, and I immediately just fell in love with him," Ellen said in her message.
Ellen shared what happened following his news: "As soon as I heard about his diagnosis, I texted him, and I said, 'I’m here if you want to speak', and my phone rang 30 seconds later."
She said she would help him with 'whatever you need, however I can help. I love you'.
Addressing Dane, she said: "I’m really proud of you, I love you so much and I am honoured to get to speak about you today."
The Euphoria actor has been trying to raise awareness of the condition following his diagnosis.
Speaking on a panel hosted by I AM ALS in December, he said he believes it is 'imperative that I share my journey with as many people as I can,' and to use his platform and status for good, despite confessing he is 'selfish'.
He said: "I don't feel like my life is about me anymore. It's something I've had to wrestle with, because I'm a pretty selfish person, and I would love my life to be all about me, but I just can't."
"I want to make sure that people are aware of what ALS is and, more importantly, what we can do to combat it and improve the landscape."
Another co-star, Patrick Dempsey, has also been texting Eric and offering support following the 'heartbreaking' news.
Patrick told Parade: "I think he’s been incredibly courageous in the face of this horrible disease. He’s such a wonderful human being."
"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 he’s using his platform in a positive way. I wish him the best."
What is ALS?
ALS or MND is a degenerative condition which, according to the NHS, causes muscle weakness which worsens over time.
Sadly, it is usually life-shortening and there currently is no cure for the condition, but treatment can help with the symptoms.
Symptoms include:
- Stiff or weak hands, problems gripping things
- Weak legs and feet, first signs include tripping up stairs or difficulty raising your foot
- Twitches, spasms or muscle cramps
It can impact any age, but usually people are over 50 when they receive a diagnosis.
As the condition worsens it can cause problems breathing, swallowing, speaking, standing and walking.
Topics: Celebrity, Entertainment, Health, Grey's Anatomy
Jen Thomas