Hollywood star Patrick Dempsey has opened up about the heartbreaking reality that prevented him from casting his former Grey's Anatomy co-star Eric Dane in his new television project. Dempsey revealed that it was 'virtually impossible' to bring Dane into the cast of the new Fox thriller series Memory of a Killer due to the rapid progression of Dane's amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
A Devastating Diagnosis and Rapid Progression
The 53-year-old actor, best known for his role in the hit series Euphoria, publicly disclosed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. ALS is a rare and incurable neurodegenerative condition that progressively weakens muscles and severely impacts physical function. In the months following his announcement, Dane's condition has advanced at a startling pace, with the actor losing the use of his right arm entirely.
Dane first noticed troubling symptoms in early 2024, experiencing weakness in his right hand which he initially attributed to excessive texting or fatigue. After months of extensive testing and consultations with multiple specialists, he received the official and devastating diagnosis. By June 2025, just two months after his public announcement, he had completely lost functionality in his right arm.
The Professional Impact on a Determined Actor
Dempsey, who worked closely with Dane during their time on the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy, expressed his disappointment at being unable to collaborate with his friend on the new project. 'We were trying to get him in [Memory of a Killer],' Dempsey explained in a recent interview. 'Unfortunately, the progression of his disease made it virtually impossible.'
Despite this setback, Dempsey noted that Dane has continued to work within his physical limitations. The actor was recently in Toronto filming for another medical drama, NBC's Brilliant Minds, where he portrays a firefighter battling ALS - a role that hits particularly close to home given his personal circumstances.
Maintaining Connection Amid Health Challenges
Dempsey confirmed that he remains in regular contact with Dane, primarily through text messages, as they navigate the challenges posed by the illness. 'It's very hard for him, but I do try to stay in touch and see how he's doing,' Dempsey shared. 'I think he's been incredibly courageous in the face of this horrible disease. He's such a wonderful human being. He has such a great sense of humor, and he's so intelligent.'
Dane's determination to continue working despite his physical limitations has been remarkable. During a virtual panel appearance for IAMALS.org in December, he made a powerful declaration about his commitment to his craft. 'I'm not about to concede my purpose for some disease,' he stated firmly. 'I just am not capable of doing that. I'm fairly limited in what I can do physically as an actor, but I still have my brain, and I still have my speech so I'm willing to do just about anything.'
Recent Professional Activities and Recognition
Despite the physical challenges, Dane has maintained an active professional schedule. He has reprised his role as Cal Jacobs in the upcoming season of Euphoria, scheduled for release in the spring. Additionally, his portrayal of an ALS patient in Brilliant Minds has brought increased awareness to the condition.
Last week, Dane was honored with the Advocate of the Year Award for his work raising awareness about ALS. However, in a poignant demonstration of the disease's impact, he was unable to accept the prize in person 'due to the physical realities' of his condition. This followed another recent cancellation of a public appearance for the same reason.
Understanding ALS and Its Impact
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rare motor neuron disorder that affects approximately 5,000 Americans annually. The condition is characterized by:
- Progressive muscle weakness and wasting
- Difficulty with speech, swallowing, and breathing
- Rapid symptom progression in many cases
- No known cure at present
Symptoms often progress quickly and can be difficult to detect in the early stages, making timely diagnosis challenging for many patients.
Dempsey's new series Memory of a Killer premiered on January 25th, featuring a cast including Richard Harmon, Odeya Rush, Peter Gadiot, Daniel David Stewart, and Michael Imperioli. While Dane couldn't join the production, his former co-star's public support and their maintained connection highlight the strong bonds formed during their time working together on one of television's most successful medical dramas.
