Eric Dane’s ‘Famous Last Words’ on Netflix: The heartfelt final statements of the Grey's Anatomy star

Actor Eric Dane, who passed away on February 19, after his 10-month-long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), made some profound statements in his final interview to Netflix, which was posted after his death.

Eric did multiple television roles in the 1990s and 2000s, which included his recurring role as Jason Dean in ‘Charmed,’ but it is his appearance as Mark Sloan on Grey's Anatomy, that increased his fan base. He made appearances in films such as 'Marley and Me,' 'Valentine's Day' and 'Burlesque.' The actor has since played 'Captain Tom Chandler' in 'The Last Ship' and had starred as Cal Jacobs in 'Euphoria.'

His relationship with his father
In the final words, the actor shared his pain about his father’s loneliness, saying that he could relate to it, and his death still haunts him. “My father was very talented, but his life was a wasted opportunity. My father always felt he was not enough,” he said. He clarified that he believed that his father’s death was not an accident but a suicide. “I don’t think somebody that intoxicated would be playing with a gun in the bathroom by themselves for fun. So, I believe my father meant what he did in that moment,” he said. “I kept thinking about how lonely my father must have been, how scared he must have been. It’s heartbreaking.”

Pain of loneliness
He told the interviewer that he could relate to the loneliness, and how he sometimes feels lonely even in a crowded room. “I’ve always felt detached from my peers. I’ve historically had a difficult time connecting with people,” he recalled, especially recalling the pain of losing his grandmother just four months after his father passed away.

Struggling with addiction
The actor then spoke about his addiction. “When we stopped short for the Writers Guild of America strike in 2007, which halted production on Grey's Anatomy, I found my way back to drugs and alcohol.” He added, “I regret some of the choices I made with alcohol. There are a few things I wish I could have done differently, but I’ve let go of most of it. I think I’ve let go of everything.”
He described himself as a kind, thoughtful, considerate, empathetic, sensitive, and vulnerable person—someone who cares deeply. “To feel as intensely as I do is exhausting,” he admitted.

‘I feel sad for my kids and wife Rebecca’
He also spoke about the tough realities he faces. “I’m not going to be around to walk my kids down the aisle or have grandkids. That’s a tough thing to deal with. And if I can’t communicate with my daughters anymore, I don’t want to be here.”
Regarding his condition, he said, “From what I gather, the research is fueled by money. It’s just a money problem. There are only 31,000 people with ALS in this country.” He added, “I didn’t think this would be the end for me. I didn’t think I’d get something as crazy as this. Why would I get something like that? I was healthy. But I don’t feel sorry for myself—I feel bad for my kids and my wife, Rebecca. There’s no logical explanation for me to be dealing with this.”

Last words to his daughters
Turning to his daughters Billie and Georgia on camera, he spoke directly to them: “These words are for you. I tried. I stumbled sometimes, but I tried. Overall, we had a blast, didn’t we? Remember all the time we spent at the beach—the two of you and Mom, in Santa Monica, Hawaii, Mexico. I see you two playing in the water for hours—my water babies.”

He shared advice for them too: “I hope you don’t listen to me. First, live now. Right now, in the present. It’s hard, but I’ve learned to do that. For years, I would wander off mentally, wallowing in worry, self-pity, shame, and doubt. I’d second-guess myself, thinking, ‘I should have done this.’ No more. Out of pure survival, I am forced to stay in the present.”

He continued, “The past is full of regrets, and the future remains unknown. So, the only way to move forward is to live in the present and treasure it.”

“Second, fall in love. Not necessarily with a person, although I do recommend that. But fall in love with something. Find your passion, your joy. Find the thing that makes you want to get up in the morning.”

“Third, choose your friends wisely. Find your people and let them find you. Give yourselves to them. The best of them will give back to you. No judgment. No conditions. No questions asked. Just show up. Love your friends with everything you have. Hang on to them. They will entertain you, guide you, support you, and some will save you.”