Watch: Patrick Dempsey Shares Update on 'Grey's Anatomy' Costar Eric Dane's ALS BattleEllen Pompeo is supporting Eric Dane amid his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Indeed, the Grey's Anatomy star-who costarred with Eric on the medical series for six seasons-opened up about finding out her longtime friend was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease. "As soon as I heard about his diagnosis, I texted him, and I said, 'I'm here if you want to speak,'" Ellen said in a pre-taped message at the ALS Network Champions for Cures & Care Gala Jan. 24, per People.