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Eric Dane’s final interview has been released, featuring a heartfelt message to his beloved daughters.
The Grey’s Anatomy star, who passed away at 53 on Thursday, February 19, less than a year after announcing his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), recorded his last interview for Netflix’s Famous Last Words series. This poignant conversation was intended for posthumous release.
Conducted discreetly, the interview showcases Dane addressing his teenage daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, whom he shares with Rebecca Gayheart. His emotional words come towards the conclusion of the special.
“Billie and Georgia, these words are for you,” he begins. “I did my best. I stumbled at times, but I tried. We shared some amazing times, didn’t we? I cherish our memories at the beach — the four of us in Malibu, Santa Monica, Hawaii, Mexico. I picture you playing in the ocean, my little water lovers.”
Reflecting on those cherished days, he adds, “Those times were heaven.” He then shares the life lessons he learned while living with ALS.
“First, live now, right now in the present,” he said. “It’s hard, but I learned to do that. For years, I would wander off mentally, lost in my head for long chunks of time, wallowing in worry and self-pity, shame, and doubt. I replayed decisions, second-guessed myself.”
“Second, fall in love,” said the actor, who was separated from Gayheart and dated other people before his death. “Not necessarily with a person although I do recommend that as well. But fall in love with something. Find your passion, your joy.”
“I fell in love with acting,” he explained. “That love eventually got me through my darkest hours, my darkest days, my darkest year. I still love my work. I still look forward to it. I still wanna get in front of a camera and play my part. My work doesn’t define me, but it excites me.”
“Third, choose your friends wisely,” he continued. “Find your people and allow them to find you, and then give yourselves to them. The best of them will give back to you. No judgment. No conditions. No questions asked.”
“Finally,” the actor concluded, “fight with every ounce of your being and with dignity. When you face challenges, health or otherwise, fight. Never give up. Fight until your last breath. This disease is slowly taking my body, but it will never take my spirit.”
He told his daughters that they are “both strong and resilient,” adding that they’ve inherited their resiliency from him.
“I hope I’ve demonstrated that you can face anything,” said Dane. “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,” he told his children. “You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words.”