Netflix has revealed the final interview of Eric Dane, the actor best known as Dr. Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy. Recorded in November 2025 for the series Famous Last Words, the conversation with producer Brad Falchuk was sealed for release only after Dane’s death.

Dane, who portrayed the charismatic plastic surgeon nicknamed “McSteamy” for 15 years on the medical drama, passed away Thursday. He had publicly shared his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis diagnosis in late 2024. Despite the progressing disease, Dane expressed plans to return to the set of HBO’s Euphoria, where he played a recurring role.

The interview took an intimate turn at its close. Falchuk stepped offstage, leaving Dane alone with the camera. Speaking directly to his daughters from his marriage to actress Rebecca Gayheart, Dane shared unfiltered reflections shaped by his ALS battle.

“Billie and Georgia, these words are for you,” Dane began. “I tried. I stumbled sometimes, but I tried. 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 Santa Monica, Hawaii, Mexico.”

He evoked vivid memories. “I see you now playing in the ocean for hours, my water babies. Those days, pun intended, were heaven.”

Dane then outlined four key lessons drawn from his illness. “I want to tell you four things I’ve learned from this disease, and I hope you don’t just listen to me. I hope you’ll hear me.”

First came a call to embrace the moment. “Live now. Right now. In the present. It’s hard, but I learned to do that. 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. I’ve replayed decisions, second-guessed myself. ‘I shouldn’t have done this. I never should’ve that.’ No more.”

ALS forced a shift, he explained. “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.”

His second piece of advice rang simple yet profound: “Fall in love.” The third stressed discernment in relationships. “Choose your friends wisely.”

Dane saved his most urgent counsel for last. “Finally, fight with every ounce of your being, and with dignity. When you face challenges, health or otherwise, fight. Never give up. Fight until your last breath.”

He closed with raw emotion. “Billie and Georgia, you are my heart. You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words.”

The release has drawn tributes from fans and colleagues. Dane’s Grey’s Anatomy co-stars, including Ellen Pompeo and Chandra Wilson, remembered him on social media as a talented performer and devoted father. His ALS journey highlighted the disease’s toll; the progressive neurodegenerative condition affects nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles.

Dane’s career spanned hits like Grey’s Anatomy, where his character met a dramatic end in a 2012 plane crash storyline, and Euphoria, the gritty HBO series. Off-screen, he balanced Hollywood demands with family life in Los Angeles.

Rebecca Gayheart has not yet commented publicly. The couple, married since 2004, share custody of Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13. Dane’s words offer a poignant legacy amid grief.