Eric Dane, widely recognized for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy and more recently as Cal Jacobs in Euphoria, shared his final words with his two teenage daughters before he passed away at 53. This came nearly a year after he revealed his diagnosis of ALS.
His last conversation is featured in episode 2 of Netflix’s posthumous interview series, Famous Last Words, where he looked directly into the camera and addressed his daughters.
“Billy and Georgia, this is for you,” he expressed. “I really tried. Sometimes I stumbled, yeah, but I did my best. Overall, we had so much fun together, right? I think back on those times we spent together on the beach in Santa Monica, Hawaii, and Mexico.”
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“Water babies, I remember you playing in the ocean for hours. Those days were truly heavenly,” he added. “I want to share four things I’ve learned from dealing with this illness. I hope you’ll really listen.”
Dane advised, “First of all, live in the present. Seriously, just focus on the present. The past brings regrets, and the future is uncertain. So it’s crucial to embrace the now. Every moment counts. Cherish it.”
The actor revealed that he had spent “long hours” in self-pity and doubt over the years, saying, “I shouldn’t have done this; I shouldn’t have done that.”
“But it’s done,” Dane remarked, sharing that he had recently learned to concentrate on the present out of “pure necessity.”
“Secondly, falling in love is essential,” he continued. “Not necessarily with a person, but with something. You need to find your passion; your joy. Discover what motivates you to get up each morning, what drives you daily.”
“Find what excites you, figure out your purpose and dreams. Go after them. Really put in the effort,” he encouraged.
As his third lesson, Dane suggested to “choose your friends wisely” and actively seek those connections.
“Then, open yourself up to them,” he added. “The best friends will support you, with no judgment or conditions.”
Dane’s final lesson was to “fight with all your strength and dignity.”
“Whether you’re healthy or not, when a challenge arises, fight. Never give in. Keep fighting until your last breath,” he said, referencing his experience with ALS. “This disease attacks my body, but my spirit remains strong.”
“Billy and Georgia, you are my heart. You mean everything to me. Good night. I love you. Those are my final words,” he concluded.
The actor’s last interview was released on Friday, just hours after his death became public. Netflix stated that it was recorded with the understanding that it would air only after his passing. reported Variety.
This posthumous series, which allows audiences to hear from cultural icons after they’ve passed, first premiered late last year, featuring British primatologist Jane Goodall, who died in October at the age of 91, in its inaugural episode.
