Eric Dane's Poignant Final Interview Unveiled by Netflix
In a deeply moving and intimate conversation recorded shortly before his passing, actor Eric Dane opened up about the enduring bond with his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and imparted profound wisdom to their two daughters. The interview, titled "Famous Last Words: Eric Dane," was released by Netflix on Friday, offering fans a rare glimpse into the late star's personal reflections on love, family, and resilience.
A Candid Look at Marriage and Familial Love
During the 50-minute discussion with host Brad Falchuk, Dane, known for his roles in "Grey's Anatomy" and "Euphoria," spoke frankly about his 22-year marriage to Gayheart. The couple, who share daughters Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, navigated a complex relationship that evolved over time. "We still love each other deeply. I just think we don't want to live with each other. But there's a lot of love there," Dane revealed. He emphasized the depth of his feelings, stating, "I will have never ― by the time anybody sees this ― have fallen in love with another woman as deeply as I fell in love with Rebecca. She's the mother of my children."
Gayheart echoed this sentiment in a December interview with The Cut, explaining that while their romantic connection had shifted, their familial ties remained strong. "Eric and I are not a couple; we're family," she said. "Our love may not be romantic, but it's a familial love. Eric knows that I am always going to want the best for him. That I'm going to do my best to do right by him. And I know he would do the same for me." This mutual respect and commitment persisted even after Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018, which she withdrew in March of last year, just before Dane publicly disclosed his ALS diagnosis.
Battling ALS with Dignity and Continued Work
Dane passed away on Thursday due to complications from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. According to Netflix, the 53-year-old actor agreed to the interview in November of last year under the condition that it be released posthumously, allowing him to share his story on his own terms. Despite stepping back from the public eye in his final months, Dane remained active in his career. In November, he made a guest appearance on the NBC medical drama "Brilliant Minds," portraying a firefighter grappling with an ALS diagnosis—a role that mirrored his real-life struggles.
Fans can also look forward to seeing Dane in his recurring role as Cal Jacobs, the father of Nate Jacobs (played by Jacob Elordi), in the upcoming third season of "Euphoria," scheduled to premiere on HBO Max in April. This performance showcases his dedication to his craft even amidst health challenges.
Heartfelt Advice for His Daughters
The interview concludes with an emotional moment as Dane addresses his daughters directly, offering words of encouragement and life lessons. "Billie and Georgia, these words are for you. I tried. I stumbled sometimes, but I tried," he says, reflecting on their shared memories. "Overall, we had a blast, didn't we? I remember all the times we spent at the beach, the two of you, me and mom — in Malibu, Santa Monica, Hawaii, Mexico. I see you now playing in the ocean for hours, my water babies. Those days, pun intended, were heaven."
He goes on to share four key insights gleaned from his experience with ALS, emphasizing the importance of living in the present and embracing love. Dane's final message is one of strength and dignity: "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." This poignant farewell serves as a testament to his enduring spirit and the deep love he held for his family.
