Patrick Dempsey wasn’t the only one shining bright during his latest public appearance! The Greys Anatomy star looked dashingly handsome when he stepped out at the star-studded 2026 BAFTA Awards, but his date for the evening almost stole his sunshine.
Standing alongside Patrick was his beautiful daughter, Talula, 24, who perfectly coordinated with her tuxedo-clad dad in a simple, but elegant floor-length, black gown.
She was the double of her make-up artist mom, Jillian Fink — who Patrick has been married to for 27 years — with her long, honey-colored locks worn loose around her shoulders and natural makeup.
The father-daughter pair smiled for the cameras as they posed up a storm on the red carpet. However, the event was tinged with sadness for Patrick who lost his friend and former co-star, Eric Dane, just days before.
Sad news
Patrick paid a heartbreaking tribute to Eric who passed away on February 19 at the age of 53, following a battle with ALS.
The Grey’s Anatomy alum, who starred opposite Eric on the hit drama between 2006 and 2012, revealed that the late actor’s “quality of life was deteriorating so rapidly” that he was losing his “ability to speak.”
© Getty Images“I just woke up this morning, and it was very sad to read the news. It’s hard to put into words. I feel really so sad for his children,” said Patrick on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin Radio UK.
Revealing how much Eric’s ALS symptoms had progressed, he explained: “I was corresponding with him, we were texting, so I spoke to him about a week ago, and some friends of ours went in to see him, and he was really starting to lose his ability to speak.
“He was bedridden, and it was very hard for him to swallow, so the quality of his life was deteriorating so rapidly.”
© Getty ImagesHe added to his tribute by saying: “He did an incredible job at bringing awareness to this horrible disease and those remaining days, and it just reminds us that we all have to celebrate every day like it’s our last day.”
Patrick concluded: “It’s something that we have to remember and certainly in a world where there is just so much crisis, and there is so much tragedy that we really need to be grateful for every moment that we have.
“Spend time with our families, do things that are better, that benefit other people, to be of service, to be kind, to be loving… these values.”
Eric’s death
© via Getty imagesEric’s death was confirmed to HELLO! in a statement by his people that read: “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS.
“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.
© FilmMagic“Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always,” the statement continued.
“Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
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