Family and fans of Eric Dane mourn the actor’s passing on February 19 at the age of 53. This follows his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s disease, less than a year ago. Netflix has also premiered an exclusive interview, Famous Last Words: Eric Dane, that Dane prepared ahead of his death.
The actor’s family released a statement on Instagram, saying, “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.”
Dane’s Life and Intro To Acting
Dane was born in 1972 in San Francisco. His father died when he was seven years old from a fatal gunshot wound. This is mentioned in the Netflix special, as he believes his father did it intentionally.
They go on to discuss if Dane ever felt the loneliness his father felt, and he replied, “100 percent.” He has felt “lonely in a crowded room.” The special briefly touches on his struggles with addiction throughout the years.
He stumbled into acting accidentally. Dane was a sports guy, having played water polo in high school, and when his season was shortened, he ended up playing Joe Keller in the play All My Sons. He began to land guest spots on shows such as “Saved by the Bell,” “The Wonder Years,” “Roseanne,” and “Married… with Children.” He joined “Gideon’s Crossing” in a recurring role and then appeared in two seasons of “Charmed.” His first movie was The Basket.
His Big Break
It was in 2006 when he appeared as Dr. Mark Sloan–aka McSteamy–in “Grey’s Anatomy.” He was only supposed to be in one episode, but because of positive fan reactions, it was turned into a main role. Dane’s character was known for being sexy, and his stories often involved him sleeping with his coworkers. In turn, Dane was then treated like a sex symbol.
During his time on the show, he also starred in films such as X-Men: The Last Stand, Marley & Me, and Burlesque.
In 2019, he got the role of Cal Jacobs, a stern and standoffish father who has secrets of his own, like many of the other characters on “Euphoria.” He reprised the role in the second season, and it is said that he prerecorded his scenes for the long-awaited third and final season coming this spring.
Who Is Eric Dane
In the special, Dane was asked who he thinks “Eric Dane” was, not what his family and friends thought. He says, “He was kind, thoughtful, considerate, empathic, sensitive, vulnerable, even though afraid to be at times, a person who cares a lot.”
A Message to His Daughters
In the last seven minutes of the special, Dane is left alone to leave a personal message to his daughters. He starts by saying, “Billie and Georgia, these words are for you.” He then says, “I tried. I stumbled sometimes, but I tried. Overall, we had a blast, didn’t we?” He then got choked up as he recounted their memories together. “I see you now playing in the ocean for hours, my water babies. Those days, pun intended, were heaven. I want to tell you four things I’ve learned from this disease, and I hope you don’t just listen to me. I hope you’ll hear me.”
@netflix “I hope I’ve demonstrated that you can face anything, you can face the end of your days, you can face hell with dignity. Fight, girls, and hold your heads high. Billie and Georgia, you are my heart, you are my everything. Goodnight. I love you. Eric Dane leaves his daughters — and the world — with one final message in Famous Last Words.
♬ original sound – Netflix – Netflix
Live in the Moment
First, he said to always live in the moment, talking about he spent so much time “wallowing and worrying in self-pity, shame and doubt.” Through his disease, he explained he was “forced to stay in the present.” He encouraged his daughters to do the same, adding, “The present is all you have. Treasure it. Cherish every moment.”
Find a Love
Second, he insisted his daughters find love in their lives, whether it be with a person or a passion. With him, it was acting. He mentions how it got him through his darkest times and still wants to do it, that his work” doesn’t define me, but it excites me.”
Find Your People
His third piece of advice was to “find your people and allow them to find you.” He goes to say how he can’t do the things he used to, but that he “embraced alternatives.” He mentioned how it’s important to just show up for the people you care about, as his have done for him, whether they eat together, watch a game, or enjoy music.
Stay Resilient
His final piece of advice was that he hoped his daughter would stay resilient. They are both different, but that he gave them resiliency. “This disease is slowly taking my body, but it will never take my spirit.” He ends the special with heartfelt words, “Billie and Georgia, you are my heart. You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words.”
A Full Life
Overall, Dane’s life and death was not dull, and he gave his all in anything he did. He will be remembered by all who knew him personally and through his career. His final words will be forever remembered as those of someone who cared for his family and friends.
