Patrick Dempsey, known for his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on “Grey’s Anatomy,” recently paid tribute to his former co-star Eric Dane, who passed away on February 19 at the age of 53. Dempsey described Dane as “the funniest man” and “such a joy to work with” during their time together on the popular medical drama.
Dane and Dempsey portrayed the characters of Dr. Mark Sloan and Dr. Derek Shepherd, also known as McSteamy and McDreamy, respectively. Initially depicted as rival surgeons, their characters eventually became best friends and heartthrobs on the show.
In a recent interview on “The Chris Evans Breakfast Show,” Dempsey expressed his sadness upon learning of Dane’s passing. He revealed that he had been in touch with Dane just a week before and had heard about his declining health from mutual friends. Dane had been battling ALS since 2025 and had been experiencing challenges with speaking and swallowing in recent months. Despite his health struggles, Dane remained committed to his work and completed filming for the upcoming season of “Euphoria.”
Dempsey fondly recalled Dane’s sense of humor and their instant rapport on set. He shared a humorous memory of Dane’s first scene, where he emerged from the bathroom looking effortlessly attractive, making Dempsey feel inadequate in comparison.
“Grey’s Anatomy” creator Shonda Rhimes also honored Dane’s memory, praising his talent and the impact of his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan on the series. She described Dane as a gifted actor whose work had left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
As fans and colleagues mourn the loss of Eric Dane, his legacy as a talented actor and beloved member of the entertainment industry lives on. May his contributions to the world of television continue to be cherished and remembered.
