Patrick Dempsey Texted Eric Dane a Week Before ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Co-Star’s Death: ‘He Was the Funniest Man’ and ‘Such a Joy to Work With’

Patrick Dempsey paid tribute to his “Grey’s Anatomy” co-star Eric Dane, calling him “the funniest man” and “such a joy to work with” after Dane died on Feb. 19 at 53 years old.

The two starred on “Grey’s Anatomy” together for several season as Dr. Derek Shepherd and and Dr. Mark Sloan, aka McDreamy and McSteamy. They played rival surgeons who later became best friends and two of the biggest heartthrobs on the medical drama.

“I just woke up this morning, and I was very sad to read the news,” Dempsey said on “The Chris Evans Breakfast Show” Friday morning. “It’s hard to put into words.