Patrick Dempsey has revealed that it was 'virtually impossible' to cast his former Grey's Anatomy co-star Eric Dane in his new Fox thriller series Memory of a Killer due to the progression of Dane's amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Dane, 53, who announced his ALS diagnosis in April 2025, has seen his condition progress rapidly, losing the use of his right arm. Last week, he was forced to pull out of a public appearance 'due to the physical realities' of the neurodegenerative condition.
Dempsey, 60, told Parade that he had hoped to involve Dane in his new show but the disease made it impossible. 'We were trying to get him in [Memory of a Killer],' he said. 'Unfortunately, the progression of his disease made it virtually impossible.'
However, Dempsey noted that Dane has been working on another medical drama, Brilliant Minds, in Toronto. He praised Dane's courage, saying, 'I think he's been incredibly courageous in the face of this horrible disease. He's such a wonderful human being.'
Dane has vowed to continue acting, stating in December that he still has his brain and speech. He recently reprised his role as Cal Jacobs in the upcoming season of Euphoria and took a role on Brilliant Minds, playing a firefighter battling ALS.
