Patrick Dempsey Honors Late Co-Star Eric Dane at 2026 BAFTAs

Patrick Dempsey attended the 2026 BAFTA Awards at London’s Royal Festival Hall on February 22, just days after the death of his Grey’s Anatomy co-star Eric Dane, who passed away at the age of 53. The announcement of Dane’s death came from his family, confirming his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a diagnosis he shared less than a year prior.

Dempsey, 60, was accompanied on the red carpet by his daughter, Talula Fyfe Dempsey, 24, as he paid tribute to his departed friend. Dressed in a sleek black tuxedo paired with a crisp white shirt and velvet bow tie, Dempsey exuded a refined elegance, even as he navigated this somber moment. Talula complemented her father’s look in a stunning black gown, showcasing a strong family bond during this difficult time.

Reflecting on Their Friendship

In a heartfelt statement, Dempsey shared that he had spoken with Dane just a week before his death and wished to cherish the joyful moments they shared. “He was the funniest man—such a joy to work with,” he stated. “I want to remember him in that spirit because any time he was on set, he brought so much fun to it.” Dempsey recalled their first scene together, where Dane’s character, Dr. Mark Sloan, made a memorable entrance that left a lasting impression on him.

“We hit it off because it was never really any competition. There was just this wonderful mutual respect,” Dempsey added.

Dane, best known for his role as McSteamy on Grey’s Anatomy, left a significant impact on audiences and colleagues alike. Dempsey emphasized the need to celebrate the joy Dane brought into people’s lives, remarking on the importance of valuing each day. He noted, “We all have to celebrate every day like it’s our last day.”

Celebrating Cinema at the BAFTAs

This year’s BAFTA ceremony, hosted by Alan Cumming, featured numerous stars, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, and Michael B. Jordan, as they honored the year’s most notable films. The vibrant atmosphere was further enhanced by a DJ set from Magic FM presenter Neev Spencer, while reporters Clara Amfo and Ali Plumb provided live coverage from the venue.

The awards showcased a diverse lineup of presenters, including Alicia Vikander, Cillian Murphy, and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Performances included the international debut of the K-Pop track “Golden” by the group Demon Hunters, featuring artists JAE, AUDREYNUNA, and REI AMI.

Among the nominations, One Battle After Another led with 14 nods, including a Best Film nomination for DiCaprio. Dempsey’s presence at the BAFTAs served as both a celebration of cinematic achievements and a poignant reminder of the bonds forged in the entertainment industry, especially in times of loss.

As the ceremony unfolded, the industry came together not only to recognize artistic excellence but also to reflect on the lives and legacies of those who had shaped their creative journeys. Dempsey’s tribute to Dane underscored a shared commitment to honoring friendships and celebrating life, even amid sorrow.