Eric Dane’s final thoughts in Netflix’s ‘Famous Last Words’: ‘I was absolutely more than enough’

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Eric Dane revealed he began to suppress his feelings at the young age of seven, following the unexpected death of his father, who died from a gunshot wound in their home bathroom.

In a recent interview released Friday on Netflix, Dane revealed he didn’t truly feel himself again until he received his ALS diagnosis years ago. The actor passed away Thursday at the age of 53 after bravely fighting the disease. The interview, which lasts almost an hour and was filmed in November, is part of the docuseries “Famous Last Words.” This series features interviews with prominent people recorded before their deaths – the first episode focused on conservationist Jane Goodall and was released shortly after she passed away.

The actor openly discussed his serious illness, explaining that it had made him more sensitive and approachable. He shared these personal thoughts with television producer Brad Falchuk, who is an executive producer on the show “Famous Last Words.”

Dane said, “When everything is stripped away, you’re left with just yourself.” He realized it was a strange way to learn that he had everything he needed within himself all along.

During the episode, Dane speaks with difficulty and uses a motorized wheelchair when talking to Falchuk. Despite this, he remains engaged and shares thoughtful reflections on his life and over thirty-year career.

Dane said he hadn’t expected things to end this way. It wasn’t the future he’d imagined for himself.

During the interview, the actor admitted he tends to complain, saying he’s “always been the one to grumble while getting things done,” but he’s been surprisingly cheerful throughout this recent experience.

A final message to his daughters

In the closing moments of his Netflix special, Dane looked directly at the camera, his voice trembling with emotion as tears formed in his eyes. He addressed his daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, offering four life lessons he’d gained while living with ALS.

Dane told Billie and Georgia, “You mean the world to me. Good night, I love you both.” Those were his final words.

Dane Cook and Rebecca Gayheart married in 2004 and separated in 2017, but they never officially divorced. Despite the separation, they remained friends, and Dane has said he never loved anyone as much as he loved Rebecca.

Dane explained that he used to spend a lot of his life feeling sorry for himself, filled with shame and self-doubt. However, after being diagnosed with ALS, he found himself focused on the present moment, and he urged his daughters to do the same.

“I’m perfectly content right here,” Dane said. “Dwelling on the past only brings regrets, and the future is uncertain. That’s why it’s so important to focus on today – it’s all we really have. Make the most of every moment and truly appreciate it.”

Dane advised his daughters to find something to be passionate about, not just a person, something that would give them a reason to look forward to each day. For him, that passion was acting, and he shared that it helped him overcome some very difficult times.

The actor had been sober for nine years, but he relapsed into drug and alcohol use during the 2007 writers’ strike, which paused production of “Grey’s Anatomy.” He had previously been open about his history with addiction.

Dane shared with his daughters that they had inherited his strength and encouraged them to fight for what they believe in, always maintaining their grace and respect.

Dane added: “This disease is slowly taking my body, but it will never take my spirit.”

ALS diagnosis brought peace

As the interview ended, Dane admitted to occasionally getting into physical altercations with people he felt deserved it, but otherwise claimed he didn’t have any shocking secrets to reveal.

“I’ve never murdered anyone, Brad,” the actor joked to Falchuk.

The actor described a life filled with enjoyment, regardless of whether his choices were always the healthiest. His career really began to flourish when he landed the role of Dr. Mark Sloan, nicknamed “McSteamy,” on “Grey’s Anatomy.” Initially just a brief appearance, the character sparked such a strong reaction from fans, according to Falchuk, that the show’s writers quickly made him a central character.

Dane DeHaan truly established himself as an actor with his role as Cal Jacobs in “Euphoria.” He played a complex character living a double life, a role Dane connected with personally. He explained that he understood what it felt like to hide his inner struggles, referencing his own history of battling drug and alcohol addiction.

Dane explained that his ALS diagnosis surprisingly relieved him from constantly criticizing himself, and allowed him to understand he was always worthy and valuable just as he was.

He expressed his belief that anyone can handle life’s challenges, even the most difficult ones like aging or immense hardship, with grace and strength.

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2026-02-21 01:01