Ellen Pompeo and Eric Dane are longtime friends. The two, who became close as Meredith Gray and Mark Sloan on the set of Grey’s Anatomy, remained friends even after her character ended in 2012, while she continued to appear regularly on the show for several years. Speaking at the ALS Network Champions for Cure & Care Gala via a pre-recorded message shared by People, the actress recalled contacting him after learning about her diagnosis in April 2025.
Ellen Pompeo immediately offered help due to Eric Dane’s ALS diagnosis
Ellen Pompeo is opening up about her conversation with Eric Dane When he revealed in early 2025 that he was suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). She recalled the moment she decided to contact him, “As soon as I heard about his diagnosis, I texted him, and I said, ‘I’m here if you want to talk.’ And my phone rang 30 seconds later.”
The 56-year-old woman promised her dear friend that she would “help you with whatever you need. I love you.” In the message, she shared a personal note to the fellow on-screen doctor, “I’m really proud of you. I love you so much, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to speak about you today.”
While neither Pompeo nor Danes were present at the event in person, the latter having to cancel shortly before it was to begin due to his health, they joined via video message projected on a screen. The Good American Family star reminisced about their first meeting as two young actors on the set of the Shonda Rhimes show and how he made her feel, “I remember when he came on as McSteamy and we had instant electric chemistry, and I fell in love with him instantly.” The 53-year-old played the skilled plastic surgeon from 2002 to 2012, after which his character only appeared in a cameo in 2021.
