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Patrick Dempsey Says Eric Dane’s ALS Progression Blocked Planned Onscreen Reunion

Dempsey recounts recent check-ins with his former co-star, citing disease progression that has limited acting opportunities, including a missed ALS Network honor.

Overview

  • Speaking to Parade, Dempsey said he tried to bring Dane onto his new Fox series Memory of a Killer, but the progression of Dane’s disease made participation “virtually impossible.”
  • Dempsey said he spoke with Dane a few weeks earlier and has been texting, praising his friend as “incredibly courageous” while calling the situation “heartbreaking” for Dane and his family.
  • Dane guest-starred in November on NBC’s Brilliant Minds as a character with ALS, a performance that series creator Michael Grassi said earned a 10-minute standing ovation on set.
  • The ALS Network said Dane was not well enough to attend its recent gala, where he was due to receive the Advocate of the Year Award.
  • Dane has taken on an advocacy role with I AM ALS and continues using his platform to raise awareness about the disease.