Patrick Dempsey Reflects on Eric Dane’s Legacy and How Much He Was Loved
Patrick Dempsey Reflects on Eric Dane’s Passing
Patrick Dempsey, best known for his role on Grey’s Anatomy, shared his thoughts on the profound public reaction following the death of his former co-star Eric Dane. Speaking to News Talk FM on February 24, Dempsey expressed the emotional weight of losing a close friend. “It’s very hard when you lose a family member. I lost my father very young, and my mother has passed,” Dempsey, 60, said. “And now several friends in the last year I’ve lost.”
Dempsey noted the widespread support for Dane’s family after his passing, emphasizing, “Eric was so beloved, and I think he would really be so happy to know — and I know a lot of people reached out to him before his passing to keep track — that he was so beloved and is deeply missed.”
Dane passed away on February 19 after bravely battling ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no known cure. In a statement from his family, it was revealed, “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world." They also shared that Dane was a strong advocate for ALS awareness and research.
The family requested privacy during this difficult time, acknowledging the outpouring of affection and support from Dane’s fans. “Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received,” the statement concluded.
Dempsey further opened up about his last interactions with Dane in an interview on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show. He expressed his sorrow for Dane’s daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, whom he shared with Rebecca Gayheart. “I spoke to him about a week ago and some friends of ours went in to see him and he was really starting to lose his ability to speak,” Dempsey said.
Dempsey found it challenging to witness the decline of his friend’s health, describing how Dane struggled in his final days. “He was bedridden and it was very hard for him to swallow, so the quality of his life was deteriorating so rapidly,” he added. Remembering Dane’s spirit, he remarked, “He was the funniest man — he was such a joy to work with.”
Additionally, in the wake of Dane’s passing, friends set up a GoFundMe campaign to support his family. The fundraiser, which aims to raise $500,000, has accumulated more than $466,000 as of February 26, reflecting the significant impact Dane had on those around him.
