Eric Dane Detailed Drug Use and Rehab Stints in Posthumous Memoir
The late actor wrote about trying "every drug imaginable" and entering rehab five times during his tenure on 'Grey's Anatomy'.
In his posthumous memoir, "My Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments," the late actor Eric Dane recounted his extensive struggles with drug addiction, revealing that he experimented with virtually every substance in his twenties.
Dane, who died in February at age 53 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), described this period as his "dark period." In an excerpt shared by People, he wrote, "I don't think there's a drug I didn't try." He detailed his substance use, stating, "I got high, I got stoned, I got wasted, I shot up, I freebased, I did every drug imaginable."
His memoir includes a partial list of substances he consumed, including alcohol, marijuana, LSD, heroin, cocaine, mushrooms, mescaline, crystal meth, crack, and a wide array of painkillers such as Vicodin, Percocet, and OxyContin. He also mentioned using benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium, as well as stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin.
During his time playing plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Sloan, also known as "McSteamy," on "Grey's Anatomy" from 2006 to 2012, Dane went to rehab five times. His painkiller addiction resurfaced around 2008 after he herniated a cervical disc. He described his physical deterioration during this relapse, noting that he dropped to 170 pounds, his face caved in, and he appeared gaunt and unwell.
He recalled that his "work family" on "Grey's Anatomy" noticed his struggles, with cast members expressing concern rather than judgment. "They don’t judge me. They don’t look angry. They look concerned. They look sad," Dane wrote.
"Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes reportedly offered Dane support, telling him she would "take care" of him if he needed a break. Despite managing to stay sober on set after multiple treatment stays, Dane felt his mental health was declining. He eventually departed the show at the end of season eight in 2012, noting, "Despite Mark Sloan's popularity, I have become too expensive. I have become expendable."
In 2017, while filming "The Last Ship," Dane entered treatment for depression, which caused a six-week production halt. The following year, his 14-year marriage to Rebecca Gayheart ended, though he described her as remaining his best friend and a crucial support system, especially after his ALS diagnosis in 2020.
The memoir also recounts a harrowing incident where Dane nearly drowned while on vacation in Antigua following his ALS diagnosis. He was saved by his youngest daughter, Georgia, and her friend.
Dane's posthumous memoir is scheduled for release on November 3, less than nine months after his death. His family stated after his passing that he spent his final days surrounded by loved ones and became a passionate advocate for ALS awareness and research.