Eric Dane's final message to daughters will break your heart
What's the story
Hollywood actor Eric Dane, who passed away on Thursday after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), recorded his last words for his family in an emotional interview with television writer Brad Falchuk. The video has now been released as part of Netflix's posthumous interview series Famous Last Words.
Life lessons
'Live now, right now, in the present'
In the video, Dane (53) said, "Billie and Georgia, these words are for you. I tried. I stumbled sometimes, but I tried." He advised them to "live now, right now, in the present." "The past contains regrets. The future remains unknown. So you have to live now. The present is all you have." He also encouraged them to "fall in love" with something that brings them joy and passion, and to choose their friends wisely.
Final advice
Dane's last lesson was to never give up
Dane's last lesson was to "fight with every ounce of your being and with dignity." He said, "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." "So when something unexpected hits you, and it will because that's life, fight and face it with honesty, integrity, and grace even if it feels or seems insurmountable."
Emotional farewell
'Good night. I love you. Those are my last words'
In his emotional farewell, Dane said, "I hope I've demonstrated 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. Billie and Georgia, you are my heart; you are my everything." "Good night. I love you. Those are my last words."
Heartfelt message
Dane's thoughts behind the final interview
Falchuk recounted the conversation and told People, "Eric really wanted to talk about his daughters." "He really wanted to make sure that they had an experience of him from watching this that they might not have been able to get in other opportunities." "But he said, 'Let's just...anything, no 'no-fly zones.' Just go, let's go for it.'"
Health struggle
Dane's family said he became an advocate for awareness, research
Dane's death comes less than a year after he publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis. The disease, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, affects the nervous system. In a statement, Dane's family said he spent his last days surrounded by "dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters." They added that throughout his battle with ALS, Dane became an advocate for awareness and research.