Maria Shriver Details Plans With Eric Dane Before His Death

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Maria Shriver is focusing on what really matters. 

Following the death of Eric Dane on February 19th after a struggle with ALS, a reporter shared a painful memory connected to the Grey’s Anatomy actor’s passing.

In her February 21st newsletter, Maria shared that she and Eric had to postpone their lunch date from two weeks ago because he wasn’t feeling well. She wrote that his recent passing served as a stark reminder to cherish each day, as the future is never certain.

Maria and Eric, who share two teenage children—15-year-old Billie and 14-year-old Georgia—with his ex-wife Rebecca Gayheart, reconnected while working together on Eric’s upcoming memoir, Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments. The book is scheduled to be released on November 3rd.

I was thrilled when Eric decided to publish his memoir with our team at The Open Field,” she said. “He explained that he wanted to share his life story, and also create something his family could cherish.

The 70-year-old also commended Eric’s advocacy after he opened up about his diagnosis last April.

Over the past year, Eric courageously revealed his diagnosis of ALS to the public. He passionately campaigned for more research and dedicated himself to raising awareness of this heartbreaking disease.

Following the death of the Euphoria actor at age 53, Maria—mother to Katherine Schwarzenegger, 36, Christina Schwarzenegger, 33, Patrick Schwarzenegger, 32, and Christopher Schwarzenegger, 28, with her former husband Arnold Schwarzenegger—stated that her publishing company would ensure his life story was told respectfully and accurately in his memoir.

In a February 19th Instagram post, she wrote a message to Eric, saying, “Godspeed.” She added that it was a privilege to have known him and that they would share his story to keep his memory alive.

Eric’s book explores how a surprising medical diagnosis dramatically changed his life and the way he sees the world.

He shared in a December press release that facing his illness each day is what motivated him to write this book. He wants to document both the good and difficult times, the moments he truly appreciated, hoping the book will remind readers to cherish life and live fully, even with hardship.

Maria wasn’t the only celebrity to remember Eric. Here’s a look at all the stars who paid their respects to the actor after he died.

The actress from Euphoria posted a clip from Eric’s Netflix special, Famous Last Words, and wrote, “Forever will love you.”

Shonda Rhimes shared a heartfelt message on February 20th, remembering Eric Dane as a cherished part of the Shondaland and Grey’s Anatomy teams. She praised his talent as an actor, noting that his role as Dr. Mark Sloan had a lasting impact on the show and its viewers. Rhimes expressed gratitude for his artistry, kindness, and friendship over the years, and extended her condolences to his family, friends, and fans.

The Grey’s Anatomy alum remembered his former costar during an appearance on Virgin Radio UK. 

Patrick fondly remembered him as the funniest person he knew. He was a delight to work with, and Patrick wanted to cherish those happy memories. He always brought a playful energy to the set, and his humor was infectious. They clicked immediately and worked together seamlessly. Patrick recalled one memorable scene: the man emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel, looking fantastic, which hilariously made Patrick feel self-conscious about his own appearance.

The creator of Grey’s Anatomy, shown here with actress Debbie Allen, recounted how they brought back the character of Eric for a season 19 episode as a tribute, even during the challenges of the pandemic.

In an Instagram post, she remembered calling Eric, who picked up right away. She asked if he’d be willing to come back to work, acknowledging the difficulties of filming during a pandemic. She explained they would shoot outdoors, maintaining social distance, because she felt the world needed some happiness, and that he and Lexie brought that joy. He simply asked for the location and time. When she arrived on set, he playfully suggested they abandon the safety rules and just hug. She shared that she’ll always remember Eric’s hugs – she described them as the best – and expressed her wishes for his peace and well-being.

The White Lotus actress shared the news of Eric’s passing on her Instagram Story, expressing her sadness with a sad face and a broken heart emoji.

Eric’s co-star from Euphoria, who played his wife on the show, posted a touching selfie of them together on her Instagram, along with the message, “RIP MR. DANE.”

Kim, who had a romantic connection with Eric on Grey’s Anatomy, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. She described Eric as a radiant person, both on and off the set of Grey’s, and especially when he was with his family. She fondly remembered his playful spirit and impeccable comedic timing, recalling how he would deliver lines with a mischievous twinkle in his eye that always surprised and delighted everyone. He will be deeply missed.

Although the actress and Eric didn’t work on Grey’s Anatomy at the same time, she fondly remembered him, saying she sees his character’s name displayed in the hospital hallways every week.

On February 20th, she shared on Instagram that Eric had a huge and undeniable impact on the show and its viewers. She described him as an incredibly talented person who will be deeply missed, and expressed her sympathy to his family.

The actor from I, Tonya, who appeared with Eric in the 2023 movie Americana, shared some thoughts about his friendship with the Grey’s Anatomy actor.

Paul shared on Instagram that the band struggled with booking shows, dealing with hardship, and staying sober. He expressed his happiness that they were able to perform together in the film Americana.

He expressed his love, saying, “I love you.” He wished they could have spent more time together and encouraged them to find comfort in their faith, adding, “I’ll see you again.”

The journalist shared she was “heartbroken” by the “devastating news” of Eric’s death.

She praised his bravery in facing his diagnosis, writing on X that he powerfully shared his experiences with ALS and helped others understand what life with the disease is like.

Regarding his forthcoming memoir, which her publishing company will release, she said he wanted to express his love for his family and create a legacy they could cherish.

The actress from Cruel Intentions, who starred with Dane in the 1990s TV show Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane, shared her sympathy by posting a tribute to him on Instagram. She wrote, “I love you. And yours.”

Actor from That ’70s Show shared fond memories of playing Fantasy Football with Eric Dane, posting on X, “The Franklin strip fanatics Fantasy Football league will really miss Eric. We know you’ll be cheering us on, and we’re sending our love as you continue to battle ALS. Keep fighting, buddy!”

The creator of Euphoria said he considered his friendship with Eric Dane, who played Cal Jacobs on the show, to be a special blessing, especially after Dane’s recent death.

In a statement to Variety, he expressed his deep sadness, saying, “I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric. It was an honor to work with him, and I was lucky to call him a friend. Our thoughts are with Eric’s family, and we hope his memory brings comfort.”

The actor from Grey’s Anatomy announced the passing of a former colleague on his Instagram Story on February 19th, simply writing “Rest in Peace.”

Sarah, who also worked with Eric on Grey’s Anatomy, shared the news on her Instagram Story, posting “Rest in peace” with several crying emojis.

His Redeeming Love co-star shared on Instagram that she was deeply saddened to hear of Eric’s passing. She remembered him as a warm, generous, and dedicated person who was passionate about his work. She added that he was kind to everyone on set and made them feel valued.

She expressed that ALS is a devastating illness. She hopes his memory will encourage increased research, understanding, and advancements in finding a cure, and that he will be greatly missed.

The actress from Charmed celebrated her friendship with Eric, who played her romantic partner on the show.

She remembered a mischievous glint in Eric’s eyes just before he’d say something incredibly funny or surprisingly insightful. He was known for his quick wit, his appreciation for the ridiculous, and his knack for surprising people.

And she credited him with her daring 2003 look.

Alyssa went on to say that he encouraged her to get her short pixie cut and a nose piercing. He was also there with her when she found Lucy, her cherished chihuahua rescue. He playfully called her ‘Milano,’ acting as if that was the only name he needed to remember.

She concluded, “My heart is with the people who were lucky enough to be his home.”

Kevin McKidd, known for his role on Grey’s Anatomy, posted a tribute to his former co-star, Dane DeHaan, on Instagram, writing, “Rest in peace buddy.” They played opposite each other on the ABC medical drama, where McKidd played Owen Hunt and DeHaan was known as Dr. Mark “McSteamy” Sloan.

Former Real Housewives of Atlanta star recalled actor Eric Dane’s nickname on Grey’s Anatomy, jokingly posting on Instagram, “Oh my goodness, not McSteamy!”

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2026-02-23 23:48