Actor Eric Dane, known for his roles in “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” died Thursday at the age of 53, less than a year after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Netflix has now released an interview conducted in November, part of the “Famous Last Words” series, which was stipulated to be published only after his death.
In the interview, Dane reflected on his life and impending mortality. “I think when the lights go out, it’s over,” he stated, according to reporting by the Associated Press. “I think that when we fall asleep or in whatever manner we die, when we’re gone, we’re gone.”
Dane expressed a desire for his daughters, Billie and Georgia, ages 16 and 14 respectively, to remember his presence in their lives. He recounted attending their activities, including a volleyball game and numerous dance recitals. “I’ve seen ‘The Nutcracker’ many times, and my review is: it’s long, man,” he joked.
Following his ALS diagnosis, Dane became an advocate for research into the disease. He traveled to Washington D.C. To lobby for $1 billion in federal funding for ALS patients, as reported by the Associated Press.
The interview concludes with Dane addressing the camera directly, delivering a message to his daughters. “I hope you don’t just listen to me. I hope you hear me,” he said.
Brad Falchuk, a producer who worked with Dane, described the experience of watching the interview as emotionally challenging. “I’m grieving Eric a lot right now. It’s very tricky,” he told the Associated Press.
The Netflix special, titled “Famous Last Words: Eric Dane,” is currently available on the streaming platform, though viewers in Germany may necessitate to adjust their account’s language settings to English to access it, as it is released only in English without German subtitles. The documentary runs for approximately 50 minutes and includes Dane’s reflections on his battle with ALS, his struggles with addiction, and his marriage to Rebecca Gayheart.