Eric Dane Detailed Extensive Drug Use in Posthumous Memoir

Eric Dane, the actor known for his role as Dr. Mark Sloan on "Grey's Anatomy," candidly detailed his struggles with addiction in his posthumous memoir, "My Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments." In an excerpt shared by People, Dane revealed the staggering extent of his drug use in his twenties, stating, "I don't think there's a drug I didn't try."

Dane, who died in February at age 53 after a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), described this period as his "dark period." He wrote that his drug use often coincided with his acting career, noting, "I auditioned for a few roles, got cast in some, but mainly I did drugs." He elaborated on the variety of substances he consumed, including alcohol, marijuana, LSD, heroin, cocaine, mushrooms, mescaline, crystal meth, crack, and numerous 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 on "Grey's Anatomy," which he starred in from 2006 to 2012, Dane recalled entering rehabilitation five times. His painkiller addiction resurfaced around 2008 after he injured his neck while working out, leading to a herniated cervical disc. He described the physical toll this took, saying, "My body goes to st. I drop to 170, my face caves in, my eyes cloud, I look gaunt; st, I look like a drug addict." He noted the concern he observed from his castmates, describing them as his "work family" and "family" who did not judge him but looked "concerned" and "sad."

According to Dane's memoir, "Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes offered him support, acknowledging his struggles and offering him breaks if needed. Despite efforts to remain sober on set, Dane wrote that his physical health deteriorated, and mentally, "I'm on my way out." He ultimately felt he needed to move on from his character, writing, "I love Mark Sloan, but I need to quit him." His departure from the show occurred at the end of season eight in 2012, with Dane acknowledging that he had become "too expensive" and "expendable."

Later, while filming "The Last Ship" in 2017, Dane sought treatment for depression, which caused a six-week production halt. The following year, his 14-year marriage to Rebecca Gayheart ended, and they moved into separate homes. As divorce proceedings were underway in 2020, Dane received his ALS diagnosis. He expressed gratitude for Gayheart's continued support, stating she remained his "best friend" and was a constant presence during his illness.

The memoir also recounts a harrowing incident where Dane nearly drowned during a vacation in Antigua following his ALS diagnosis in 2024. He was reportedly saved by his younger daughter, Georgia, and a friend. Dane's posthumous memoir is scheduled for release on November 3, less than nine months after his death.