Patrick Dempsey is sharing an update on how former Grey’s Anatomy co-star Eric Dane is doing amid his battle with ALS.

If you didn’t know, Eric, 53, announced back in April 2025 that he has been diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease that effects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

While promoting his new FOX series Memory of a Killer, Derek, 60, said that he tried to get Eric to guest star on the show.

Keep reading to find out more…“I spoke to him a few weeks ago,” Patrick told Parade. “Unfortunately, the progression of his disease made it virtually impossible. But I was happy to see that he was here in Toronto working on, I think, another medical drama [Brilliant Minds].”

“It’s very hard for him, but I do try to stay in touch and see how he’s doing,” Patrick added, noting that he and Eric have “been texting.”

Although the disease has sadly progressed rapidly, Patrick went on sing his praises for how brave Eric has been throughout his battle.

“He’s been incredibly courageous in the face of this horrible disease,” Patrick said. “He’s such a wonderful human being. He has such a great sense of humor, and he’s so intelligent. I’ve always enjoyed working and being around Eric.”

While acknowledging Eric‘s ex Rebecca Gayheart and their daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, Patrick continued, “It’s heartbreaking. It really is. For him and for his family. You feel for them when you see this terrible disease and how quickly it attacks the body. But he’s bringing a lot of light to that, and he’s using his platform in a positive way.”

Patrick‘s update on Eric comes days after it was announced that Eric had been forced to drop out of an ALS event at the last minute due to his battle.