Eric Dane Shares Poignant Final Message for Daughters Before Death

The late actor's posthumous Netflix interview offers life lessons and a call for more ALS research funding.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 8:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Shortly after his death from ALS at age 53, Netflix released a special episode of its Famous Last Words series featuring interviews with notable figures recorded before their passing. In the episode, Eric Dane candidly discussed his life and career, and shared a series of final words specifically for his now-teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia, whom he shares with actor Rebecca Gayheart. Dane's message emphasized living in the present, finding passion, choosing friends wisely, and fighting with dignity in the face of challenges.

Why it matters

Dane's posthumous message has resonated with many, as it offers a powerful and vulnerable perspective on making the most of life, even in the face of a terminal illness. The interview also shines a light on the need for increased funding and research for ALS, a disease that affects a relatively small patient population compared to the overall US population.

The details

In the Netflix episode, Dane reflected on cherishing time with his family at beaches in Santa Monica, Hawaii, and Mexico, and imparted four key lessons for his daughters: 1) live in the present, 2) find a passion to fall in love with, 3) choose friends wisely, and 4) fight with dignity. Dane also used the platform to highlight the lack of funding and research for ALS, noting that with more resources, a solution could be found quickly for the 31,000 people living with the disease in the US.

  • Dane died on Thursday at the age of 53 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
  • The Netflix episode featuring Dane's interview was released shortly after his passing.

The players

Eric Dane

A veteran actor known for his roles in shows like Charmed, Grey's Anatomy, and Euphoria, who died from ALS at the age of 53.

Rebecca Gayheart

Dane's ex-wife and the mother of his two teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia.

Brad Falchuk

The host of the Netflix series Famous Last Words, who interviewed Dane for the episode.

Billie and Georgia

Dane's two teenage daughters, to whom he directed his final message.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I will never, by the time anybody sees this, have fallen in love with another woman as deeply as I fell in love with Rebecca.”

— Eric Dane (Netflix)

“Billie and Georgia, these words are for you. I tried. I stumbled sometimes, but I tried. Overall, we had a blast, didn't we?”

— Eric Dane (Netflix)

“For years, I have been wandering around mentally and lost in my head for long chunks of time, wallowing and worrying in self-pity, shame, and doubt. No more. Out of pure survival, I am forced to stay in the present. But I don't want to be anywhere else. The past contains regrets. The future remains unknown. So you have to live now. The present is all you have. Treasure it. Cherish every moment.”

— Eric Dane (Netflix)

“Find something that excites you. Find your path, your purpose, your dream. Then go for it. Really go for it.”

— Eric Dane (Netflix)

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

— Eric Dane (Netflix)

What’s next

The Netflix episode featuring Eric Dane's final message is now available for streaming on the platform.

The takeaway

Eric Dane's posthumous message to his daughters serves as a poignant and inspiring reminder to live life to the fullest, find purpose and passion, and face challenges with dignity - even in the face of a terminal illness. His call for increased ALS research funding also highlights the need for greater awareness and support for this devastating disease.