Patrick Dempsey awoke to devastating news – the loss of hisGrey’s Anatomyco-star, Eric Dane, at just 53 years old. Dane had bravely shared his diagnosis of ALS less than a year prior, a disease that tragically claimed him with startling speed.
Friends who visited Dane last week reported a heartbreaking reality: he was no longer able to move or swallow. Dempsey reflected on the swift progression, acknowledging the inevitability while still reeling from the shock. “We were expecting it. I just didn’t realise it was going to happen so quickly,” he shared.
Before Dane’s passing, Dempsey had envisioned a poignant reunion on screen. He’d actively pursued Dane for a role in his new Amazon thriller,Memory of a Killer, hoping he would portray his character’s brother, a man grappling with advanced dementia – mirroring the diagnosis his own character receives. The opportunity, heartbreakingly, slipped away.
Dempsey remembered his former colleague from Sloan Memorial with deep affection, extending his condolences to Dane’s family. “He was a remarkable actor and a remarkable man to work with, and he is deeply missed. I wish his family the best and I’m glad he left such a remarkable legacy.”
Dane faced his illness with unwavering strength, using his platform to raise awareness even as his physical condition deteriorated. Dempsey admired this courage immensely. “He stayed strong and he fought as long as he could. Now he’s in a peaceful place.”
Turning 60 while filmingMemory of a Killer, Dempsey found himself contemplating his own mortality. The role of a hitman facing dementia resonated deeply, prompting reflections on the fragility of life. “I’m on the back side of the mountain,” he admitted, acknowledging the losses he’s experienced recently, including the passing of Robert Duvall.
He continued, “You realise that life is very quick and that we better live every day like it’s our last, because we don’t know if we’ll have another one, and not worry about the past so much or the future.” It’s a sentiment, he conceded, easier expressed than lived.
While widely recognized as Dr. Shepherd ("McDreamy") fromGrey’s Anatomy, Dempsey actively sought roles that would move him beyond that iconic character. He’d explored different avenues, from rom-coms to motorsport, even competing in the World Endurance Championship with Porsche.
A pivotal shift came with a desire to prioritize family. “I had been gone a lot during my children’s childhood, and it was time to come home and to work on my family and to be present for them. Just take some time away.” This period of focus ultimately led him toMemory of a Killer, a role offering the “edge” he craved.
The character of Angelo, a ruthless assassin leading a double life, felt destined for Dempsey. The show’s exploration of dementia also held personal significance, drawing on his experience with his mother’s cancer diagnosis and the establishment of a cancer treatment center in her name.
Dempsey particularly praised his co-star, Michael Imperioli, for elevating every scene. He recalled initially persuading Imperioli to join the project, a breakthrough achieved by reimagining Imperioli’s character, Dutch, as a chef. This creative decision unlocked a dynamic energy within the narrative.
“Every time he was on set, you could feel the energy lift and the excitement from the crew,” Dempsey shared. “And there’s nothing more magical when that happens, because it brings out everybody’s best work.”
As Angelo’s two worlds – the meticulous facade of a photocopier salesman and the cold precision of a hitman – begin to collide, the stakes escalate. Dempsey remains tight-lipped about the unfolding drama, offering only a cryptic promise: “I can’t say too much.”
